Milwaukie Native Serves with U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron, 'Dragon Whales'

NORFOLK, Va. - A 2014 Rex Putnam High School graduate and Milwaukie, Oregon, native is serving with the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Cari McPheeters is an aviation structural mechanic serving with HSC 28, known as the “Dragon Whales.” A versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.

A Navy aviation structural mechanic is responsible for flight controls, hydraulics, and the structure of the aircraft.

“My favorite part about my job is that every day there is something new to work on,” McPheeters said.

McPheeters credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Milwaukie.

“Growing up I learned the importance of teamwork and the value of a good work ethic,” McPheeters said. “We have a large workload every day and making sure we’re performing as a team is important.”

Dragon Whales operate the MH-60S Seahawk and deploy with the Second, Fifth and Sixth Fleets to provide critical mission support. Their capabilities include drone recovery, special operations aerial training, cargo and passenger transport, and fleet support to Navy, Air Force, and Army units along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

HSC 28 consists of 14 aircraft, 267 enlisted sailors, and 51 officers. At sea, they perform vital vertical replenishment (VERTREP); crucial passenger, mail, and internal cargo transport; and continuous search and rescue operations.

“It was rewarding being a part of the team responsible for getting aircraft ready to leave for the Hurricane Florence disaster relief efforts,” McPheeters said.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, McPheeters is most proud of promoting to petty officer second class and receiving the surface warfare qualification.

“I studied hard for three months during deployment and it was a good feeling passing the board and getting that qualification.” McPheeters said.

Operational and deployed today with the U.S. Navy as the primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system for open ocean and littoral zones, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter. It is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

The MH-60R Sea Hawk is over 60 feet long, and can weigh up to 23,500 lbs. It is replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, McPheeters and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means carrying on a family tradition as well as doing something new,” McPheeters added. “My grandfather served during the Korean War as an aviation storekeeper and it gives me a feeling of pride to continue that legacy.”