A Burlington, Iowa native is playing a vital role in U.S. Navy operations in the North Pacific Ocean. Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Riley Etchison, originally from Burlington, was recently photographed giving critical hand signals to pilots of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter during a helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) exercise aboard the USS Preble (DDG 88), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
The exercise, conducted May 1, allowed the Easyriders of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 to refuel mid-air without landing on the ship’s flight deck — a vital capability in situations where deck landings aren’t feasible due to operational or environmental constraints.
The USS Preble is currently forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15), the Navy’s largest destroyer squadron and the principal surface force of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Operating in the Indo-Pacific region, DESRON 15 supports missions aimed at maintaining security, stability, and freedom of navigation in some of the world’s most strategically important waters.
Etchison’s role as a boatswain’s mate involves expertise in seamanship, deck operations, and supporting flight deck activities. In the photo, taken by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell, Etchison can be seen giving precise hand signals that guide the helicopter crew safely through the complex refueling procedure.
Family and friends in Iowa can take pride in Etchison’s contributions aboard the USS Preble as the ship continues its deployment in support of U.S. Navy operations throughout the Pacific.