Conroe Native keeps the Navy’s newest, most advanced helicopters flying

MAYPORT, FL – A 2010 Conroe High School graduate and Conroe, Texas native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Perales credits much of their success from lessons they learned growing up in Conroe.

“Growing up in Conroe taught me the importance of working hard towards what I want to accomplish in life,” said Perales. "It's helped in my service by making rank and earning awards."

Perales is an aviation machinist mate with the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40, 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 machinist mate, Perales is responsible for repair and maintenance of the MH-60R helicopter.

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.

Perales is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.

“I joined the Navy because it's the best feeling to be able to serve your country,” said Perales.

Perales said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“My proudest accomplishment is having the privilege to serve in the world greatest Navy,” said Perales.

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.

Perales is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon capital assets, Perales and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Serving in the Navy, Perales is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.

“I like to serve in the Navy,” said Perales. "It's a great job to have and it's taught me so much, like how to be a better person."