OMHS grad serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35

A 2007 Oak Mountain High School graduate 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.

Lt. Junior Grade James Adair is a naval aviator with the “Magicians” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35, based out of San Diego.

“This aircraft is the newest helicopter in the Navy,” said Adair. “We’re capable of several missions sets such as anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare as well as search and rescue and humanitarian aid which makes it a really fun helicopter to work with.”

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 naval aviator, Adair is responsible for leading sailors and learning how to be a better pilot. He’s also learning how to fly the MQ-8B Fire Scout Drone, the Navy’s only unmanned air vehicle.

“[Flying the UAV] is exciting because it’s the future of the Navy and the military in general,” said Adair. “I enjoy flying the helicopter more but learning about UAVs is exciting.”

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”

Adair said he is proud to be a part of the 283-member squadron that is ready to defend America at all times.

“I like the camaraderie of the Navy, whether being in school or at the squadron, it’s like being in a big fraternity,” said Adair. “Anywhere I go, there’s someone I know I can visit.”

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 Adair.

“Everyone joins the Navy for a reason and deployment is the culmination of years of training,” said Adair, “so to finally use my skills to serve my country will be an honor.”