Native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the MH-60R Sea Hawk
By Lt. Emily J. McCamy, Navy Office of Community Outreach.
SAN DIEGO, CA — A 2012 Plantation High School graduate and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter, the MH-60R Sea Hawk.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Campbell is a yeoman with the “Magicians” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35, based out of San Diego.
“Although I’m not out in the field with the helicopters, I like knowing that I’m helping everyone by taking care of their paperwork to be sure their records are current,” said Campbell.
The squadron deploys its helicopters and personnel around the world aboard a variety of Navy ships, including frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.
While aboard ships at sea, the squadron conducts a variety of missions.
“Our missions aboard ships include tracking and hunting enemy submarines, combatting enemy surface ships, search and rescue, communications relay, and ferrying supplies, cargo and personnel,” said Lt. Reagan Lauritzen, Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesperson.
As a yeoman, Campbell is responsible for the administration of all paperwork within the squadron.
“I went to legal school and I deal with non-judicial punishment cases and support the commanding officer when a disciplinary situation occurs,” said Campbell. “The legal aspect of my job is very interesting because I get to learn from other people’s mistakes.”
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.
“The MH-60R features more sophisticated electronics, like a new low-frequency sonar and an advanced radar system,” said Lauritzen. “The Seahawk can also launch torpedoes, fire Hellfire missiles and laser guided rockets, and carry crew served weapons”
Campbell said he is proud to be a part of the 283-member squadron that is ready to defend America at all times.
“I like that I get to serve my country, it makes me feel good that I’m doing something different and am part of the ‘one percent’ who serve in the military,” said Campbell.
Being a sailor assigned to a helicopter squadron and in a deployable status means spending a lot of time away from friends and family, but serving his country makes it worth it for Campbell.
“As a yeoman, I’m capable of going to any type of command and that’s exciting to me,” said Campbell. “Traveling the world and seeing new things will be rewarding when I deploy. If I’m assigned an expeditionary, unit I look forward to helping prevent drug trafficking.”
