BOONTON TOWNSHIP — A 2008 Seton Hall Preparatory School graduate and Boonton Township native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
“I learned about work ethic and humility,” said Kline. “Hard work is what drives us here and what adds to the mission success. And the humility keeps you grounded to better relate to those around you.”
Kline is a 2012 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy.
Kline is a pilot 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 a pilot, Kline is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft to meet the command’s mission.
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.
Kline is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.
“My grandparents served in WWII,” said Kline. “Both survived. One landed on Normandy and one stormed Iwo Jima. I watch a lot of old war movies because of their generation. I always wanted to be a pilot,” said Kline.
Kline said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“One of my most rewarding accomplishments has been making aircraft commander and getting to come back to this command as a flight instructor,” said Kline.
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.
Kline 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, Kline and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Serving in the Navy, Kline is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Serving in the Navy means being willing to sacrifice myself and some of my freedoms for the good of this country,” said Kline.
