Augusta native serves with Navy Helicopter Strike Force

Petty Officer 3rd Class Theodore Mahaleris, of Augusta, with a Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk in the background. (photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Theodore Mahaleris, a native of Augusta, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35.

Mahaleris graduated from Cony High School in 2017.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Augusta.

“My hometown taught me the importance of small-town ideals,” Mahaleris said. “My city inspired me to venture off to experience new cities and new adventures. After joining the Navy, I was exposed to how much more the world had to offer.”

Mahaleris joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Mahaleris serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to join a challenging and fulfilling community,” Mahaleris said. “Air rescue has provided the opportunity to travel to places I couldn’t ever imagine and contribute to a unique work environment. My great uncle served in the Navy and hearing his sea stories inspired me to join.”

Members of HSM-35 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Mahaleris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment so far is graduating from the Fleet Replacement Aircrew (FRAC) training,” Mahaleris said. “I was able to push myself through rigorous training that I originally wasn’t inclined towards. I was able to achieve success in a rewarding career field that I would have never imagined myself in. The Romeo aircrew requirement is very intensive, but the opportunity to employ your skillset on a daily basis is unparalleled.”

Mahaleris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“For me, serving in the Navy means training to be the best,” Mahaleris said. “To get to practice my mission set on a daily basis to protect this country is an experience unlike any other.”

Mahaleris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom and dad,” Mahaleris added. “Maine provided the foundation for me to propel myself to where I am today. I was able to leverage my experiences to become the leader I am today.”