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Bay Raider 47 Selected as NHA Region 4 Air Crew of the Year

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060419-04
Release Date: 4/19/2006 10:29:00 AM

From Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The crew of "Bay Raider 47" attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, based at Naval Station Norfolk, received the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA), Region Four 2005 Air Crew of the Year (Embarked) award during a ceremony held April 3 at the Breezy Point Officers' Club on base.

The crew of Bay Raider 47, which included Lt. Matthew Meyers, helicopter aircraft commander, Lt. j.g. Joseph Maggi, co-pilot, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class (NAC/AW) Royce Burroughs, crew chief, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class (NAC) Nicholas Kontodiakos, rescue swimmer, were presented the award by Rear Adm. Garry Hall, commander, Amphibious Group 2.

To be selected for the NHA 2005 Air Crew of the Year (Embarked) award, the crew must have accomplished the most notable embarked helicopter mission during the preceding year and demonstrate the most professional airmanship and overall performance as a crew during helicopter operations. Bay Raider 47 received the award as a result of all of their hard work assisting with Hurrican Katrina relief efforts.

“These individuals are the best of the best,” said Hall. “Giving out this award gave us a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication Sailors do every day. They are always out there excelling in what they do, and the perfect example of that is two of the recipents are back in Iraq helping in the war on terrorism.”

Two of the four crew members attended the ceremony to receive the award.

“Just the fact that my crew and I were even nominated is humbling,” said Burroughs. “I would have to say that even though my crew received the award, we were just a speck in the Joint Task Force operation. It's flattering to think that our crew is now in the running for the NHA Air Crew of the Year award.”

All of the NHA Region winners go on to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete for the national title during the NHA’s National Symposium, which will take place at the end of April 2006.