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HSC 84 Welcomed Home After 12 Years Forward Deployed

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS151019-06
Release Date: 10/19/2015 9:46:00 AM

By Ensign Dana Ayers, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Current and former members of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84 (HSC-84), the 'Red Wolves,' gathered together, Oct. 16, for a ceremony welcoming home the squadron after 12 years and seven months of being forward deployed.

Rear Adm. Mark Leavitt, commander, Naval Air Force Reserve, and Cmdr. Quinton Packard, commanding officer, HSC-84, gave remarks to squadron members and their families, thanking them for their sacrifices and for a job well done.

The squadron provided special warfare support in direct assaults, through the insertion and extraction of special operations personnel, armed overwatch, and reconnaissance, as well as provided logistical support in the movement of personnel and cargo. The squadron deployed to the Middle East in March 2003 and returned home Oct. 12, 2015.

'Whether it was flying direct action missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, or being a ready force waiting for the call to go forward, the Red Wolves have been fully prepared to do our nation's work,' Leavitt said. '[They] have earned the respect and highest praise of our nation's most elite fighting force - our special operations personnel out in the field.'

Squadron members were celebrated for their stellar performance and accomplishments, including the capture of over 732 high value targets. The squadron also accumulated over 18,000 flight hours, resulting in three Flying Crosses, 15 Bronze Stars, more than 120 Single Action Air Medals with Valor, and mare than 1,000 Strike Flight Air Medals.

'This is a celebration and a pat on the back for a job well done, and I am proud to welcome everyone home,' said Packard.

Additional awards were presented to squadron members during the ceremony, and the event included the re-commissioning of one member. Family members were also recognized for the sacrifices they have made over the last 12 and a half years.

'You've paid the bills, put the kids to sleep, and kept the home fires lit while we went out to the desert,' Packard noted as he addressed those he called the unsung heroes of the squadron. 'I've told my wife many times that her job was harder than mine. Our families deserve some recognition today.'

Family members said that though deployments may have been difficult, the sacrifices were worth it for squadron members.

'It never gets any easier, but you do adjust,' shared Amy Brinkac, wife of squadron member Cmdr. Chris Brinkac.

Joshua Stafford, who served as a parachute rigger with HSC-84 between 2008 and 2011, shared what it means to him to have served with the elite team.

'I spent 14 years in the Navy and [being assigned to this squadron] has by far been the highlight of my career,' Stafford said. 'The mission is extraordinary. The camaraderie among the pilots and crew is like having a whole new family. I'm part of the family so I couldn't miss this celebration!'