(Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Robert Zahn)
A 2007 Southwest Miami Senior High School graduate and Miami native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Petty Officer Third Class Richard Anon is an aviation structural mechanicwith the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, a Mayport, FL-based squadron that operates the Navy’s next generation submarine hunter and Anti-Surface Warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk. Each helicopter is nearly 65 feet long, may weigh up to 23,500 poinds (max gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.
As an aviation structural mechanic, Anon is responsible for general structural maintenance on the MH-60R aircraft.
“Growing up in Miami, my family taught me to respect everyone and take the bad with a grain of salt,” Anon said. “Two of my uncles served — one in the Army and one in the Coast Guard. They call me and check up on me all the time. It’s nice to have them looking out for me.”
According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting the Navy’s special operations forces.
It is replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems.
Anon said he is proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I’m proud of making third class my first time up for promotion,” Anon said. “It’s a pride thing. My grandfather, who passed away, always told me, as long as you try hard and study there’s nothing that will hold you back.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Approximately 297 Navy men and women are assigned and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly. This includes everything from maintaining helicopter airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.
Serving in the Navy, Anon is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has given me a new extended family,” Anon said. “It’s instilled a new sense of respect to and for the world and those around me.”
