'Desert Hawks' Pilot On Path To Aircraft Commander

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Jeremy Steffen, a pilot assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 Detachment 1 "Desert Hawks," performs a pre-flight inspection on an MH-60S Knighthawk. Steffen, who has been with the "Desert Hawks" since February of 2010, recently achieved a 500 flight-hour milestone and is training to become an aircraft commander. The MH-60S is a twin-engine helicopter used for logistics support, search and rescue, vertical replenishment and naval special warfare support. (Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin)  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

06.10.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

Story by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin

MANAMA, Bahrain - U.S. Navy Lt. Jeremy Steffen reached a career milestone toward becoming an aircraft commander when he logged his 500th flight-hour during his six-month deployment with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 Detachment 1, the "Desert Hawks" in Muharraq, Bahrain.

"He is definitely a vital part of this detachment," said Lt. Andrew Moore, the team's operations officer. "He comes to work every day with a positive attitude and is proving that he is here to learn. He demonstrates the book knowledge and is on the right track to become a successful aircraft commander."

According to Steffen, the next step to aircraft commander consists of a review board conducted by the squadron's executive officer and senior colleagues, and writing an aviation related article to be submitted to publications such as "Approach."

"It's been a good deployment for me because I've completed a couple of big qualifications towards aircraft commander," Steffen said. "It's a good feeling because it shows me how close I am to being qualified.

"After that the skipper basically gives you the keys to the car," he said. "He gives you all the responsibility to make decisions and use the aircraft in various circumstances."

Steffen serves as a co-pilot for the Norfolk, Va. - based squadron's three MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters, which are assigned to Commander Task Force and used for logistics support, search and rescue, vertical replenishment and naval special warfare. The "Desert Hawks" take pride in contributing to this mission by providing quality combat support to the
fleet, safely, professionally, and on time.

CTF 53, which reports to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, has tactical control of all Navy combat logistics force ships, strategic sealift, special mission ships and logistics aircraft operating within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

When he's not flying, Steffen serves as a division officer, working with more than 40 enlisted Sailors. Though being on call 24/7 to assist the needs of the enlisted community can be a challenge, Steffen says he finds the position rewarding.

"I like having the ability to positively influence my Sailors," Steffen said. "I enjoy conducting re-enlistments, seeing Sailors put on a new rank and work their way up from being junior guys. That's definitely a good part of my job."

Steffen also manages the detachment's fuel surveillance and foreign object debris programs.

Steffen, an Elroy, Wis., native, reported to the command in September after transferring from the Norfolk based Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 2. He joined the Navy in June of 2005 and has served an Individual Augmentee assignment in Iraq, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his service as the 448th Civilian Affairs Battalion administration officer.

With two months remaining on his deployment, Steffen hopes to become aircraft commander qualified soon after his return to Norfolk.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2010
• Date Posted: 06.10.2010 08:55
• Story ID: 51168
• Location: MANAMA, BH