Airman Tyler Brisco is an aviation electronics technician with the "Vipers" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, a Mayport, Florida based squadron that operates the Navy's next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk.MAYPORT, Fla. (May 23, 2016)—A 2012 Henry E. Lackey High School graduate and Waldorf, Maryland native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy's newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Airman Tyler Brisco is an aviation electronics technician with the "Vipers" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, a Mayport, Florida 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 lbs. (max gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.
As an aviation electronics technician, Brisco is responsible for the electronic components aboard the MH-60R helicopter.
"My job takes me out of my comfort zone," said Brisco. "It makes for a good skill to have for your future as well."
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.
Brisco said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
"The people at this command are very helpful and upfront," said Brisco. "They want to push you in the right direction and make sure you are getting what you need to be a great sailor."
Sailors' jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Approximately 270 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.
"The thing I love the most about being a part of this great organization are the people," said Cmdr. Jeff Hill, HSM-48's commanding officer. "The level of commitment and professionalism by every member of Viper Nation is second to none. But more importantly, they represent what's best about our nation and the generation of American's dedicating their lives to something bigger. Dedicating themselves to making a difference. Because at the end of the day, that's what we do in Viper Nation, it's what we do in the Navy, we make a difference."
Serving in the Navy, Brisco is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
"The Navy has taught me that discipline provides you with structure to make the right choices to set you up for success," said Brisco.
For a tribute to other local service people, visit the Southern Maryland Wall of Heroes.