Local Airmen to Display Romeo Helicopter at Cleveland Air Show

Three local servicemen will be at the Cleveland Air Show with their Navy HR-60 Seahawk Romeo helicopter over Labor Day weekend.

Lieutenant Commander Scott Luke, a St. Edward High grad, Lt. Ryan Thaxton, a Westlake High grad and AO2 Jacob Arndt, a Lorain High grad will be on hand with their Romeo.

The Navy’s fleet of MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters provides the Navy with a contemporary platform that performs combat and maritime support spanning anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, passenger and cargo transfer, and search and rescue capability.

LCDR Scott “Smokie” Luke, Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Arndt and LT Ryan “Bloat” Thaxton

LCDR Scott “Smokie” Luke was born and raised in Westlake. He attended grade school at St. Raphael School in Bay Village and graduated from St. Edward High School as part of the Class of 2008. LCDR Luke received his degree in Finance and was commissioned as an Ensign through the Navy ROTC Program at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.

LCDR Luke started his journey to Naval Aviation in Pensacola, FL to earn his “Wings of Gold”. He completed Primary flight training in Corpus Christi, TX and Helicopter training in Milton, FL. He earned his Wings in 2014 and reported to Mayport, FL to learn to fly the MH-60R at the Fleet Replacement Squadron. His flight assignments include HSM-72, Instructor pilot duty at HSM-40, CVW-11 Helicopter Staff, and his current duty station attached to the World Famous HSM-46 Grandmasters in Jacksonville, FL.

Smokie grew up around the Cleveland Air Show from a young age, where his love of aviation began watching the Blue Angels. His family and extended family still live in the Cleveland area and he regularly comes home to visit. He now brings his wife and four children who love the various Nature Centers and time spent at Malleys and Mitchell’s Ice Cream shops.

LT Ryan “Bloat” Thaxton was also born and raised in Westlake. Living outside of Cleveland, LT Thaxton grew up attending the Cleveland Air Show regularly as a kid where he found a love for aviation. After finishing school at Westlake High School, LT Thaxton attended Miami University (OH) where he studied chemical engineering and earned his Navy commission from the school’s NROTC program.

Following college, LT Thaxton moved to Pensacola, FL to begin his naval aviation training. After primary training in Corpus Christi, TX he moved onto rotary wing training back in Pensacola where he was selected to fly the MH-60R. Upon completing the fleet replacement squadron, LT Thaxton was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six in Jacksonville, FL where he is currently assigned.

Most of LT Thaxton’s family still reside in the Cleveland area. Besides aviation, LT Thaxton is a huge fan of Cleveland sports with the Guardians being his favorite team. His favorite places in Cleveland include the West Side Market and East 4th Street.

Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Arndt was born and raised in Lorain. He graduated from Lorain High School as a part of the Class of 2015. PO2 Arndt graduated from Lorain County Community College Early College program the same year with his Associates degree in Universal Arts.

Following college, PO2 Arndt enlisted into the United States Navy and began his naval journey in 2016. After basic training in Great Lakes, IL he was selected to be stationed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in Norfolk, VA for five years. His current duty station is with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six in Jacksonville, FL working as an Aviation Ordnanceman.

PO2 Arndt’s father and both grandfathers were all previously enlisted in the United States Navy, initiating his love for Naval Aviation. His family still lives in the Cleveland area and he loves to visit home. His favorite places in the Cleveland area include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Fat Head’s Brewery.