Military

Helicopter Wing Reserve (HELWINGRES)

The Reserve Helicopter Wing is a functional command under Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force, providing mobilization ready helicopter squadrons, together with associated detachments, for mobilization. The Wing directs, supervises and coordinates the training of assigned squadron and detachment personnel to maintain maximum combat readiness. The primary goal is to achieve and sustain a level of personnel and equipment readiness which ensures availability of the helicopter wing or individual squadrons for immediate employment in the event of war or national emergency. The Reserve Helicopter Program accounts for 12% of Navy's Helo Force (1,500 personnel).

The two HSL squadrons (LAMPS) at Willow Grove and San Diego were decommissioned in FY-2001.

Both HM-14 and HM-15 are organized into detachments. Regular Navy officers and Sailors would be the first to deploy on the rapid deployment timeline. Six of the squadrons Sea Dragons would go with them. The second detachment, a combination of active and Reserve officers and Sailors, TARs and SELRES, must be prepared to deploy with them or as replacements. Remaining personnel would be utilized for shore-based training and fleet replacement crews.

At the Executive Level, Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve must direct, supervise, and coordinate the training of assigned Reserve Force Squadrons in order to maintain maximum mobilization readiness. The primary objective is to ensure the availability of our units for employment in the event of mobilization through the achievement and maintenence of required levels of personnel and equipment readiness. Through the exercise of operational and administrative control, COMHELWINGRES prepares directives, plans, schedules and reports to implement the policies and procedured of higher authority. COMHELWINGRES ensures the standardization of training throughout the Wing to facilitate incorporation of Naval Reserve assets by Regular Navy elements upon mobilization, and align training programs to meet current Fleet requirements. It conducts Command Inspections of assigned squadrons at least triennially, and provides guidance and assistance to all assigned squadrons through the conduct of annual Command Assist Visits. COMHELWINGRES nominates candidates for command of assigned squadrons to the appropriate Naval Air Reserve commands, and submits reports of fitness for Commanding Officers of assigned squadrons when required, and concurrent fitness reports for active duty Officers-in-Charge as required.

The Maintenance Department is responsible for ensuring assigned squadrons attain maximum levels of aircraft material readiness and maintenance training and for periodic inspections of assigned units. The Program Managers of the Operations Department are assigned from staff aviators according to background and are responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of our squadron's operational readiness and are the primary links between the Wing Commander and assigned units. They conduct tactical review and planning conferences with squadrons as necessary, maintain liaison with assigned squadrons to ensure an aggressive and up-to-date training program is conducted, and conduct periodic reviews of appropriate tactical publications to ensure compliance with current doctrine. The Training Department is responsible for coordinating the scheduling of required training for Wing personnel. They review squadron Long Range Training and Readiness Objective reports, training plans and Planning Board for Training minutes to ensure optimum training schedules are developed and maintained.