Military

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN [HELASRON HS-14]
"Chargers"

The squadron's primary mission is to detect, localize and destroy enemy submarines while providing over water Search and Rescue(SAR) support to the Carrier Task force. The SH-3H, the SH-60F and HH-60H have the capacity to provide day or night, all weather Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), anti-ship missile defense, Helicopter Vertical Boarding/Search and Seizure (HVBSS), and fleet logistics support.

HS-14 was established on 10 July 1984 at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, California. HS-14 originally flew the Sikorsky SH-3H "Sea King" Helicopter out of North Island. The Chargers currently fly the Foxtrot and Hotel Versions of the H-60 airframe built by Sikorsky Aircraft. Call sign "Lightning" is a member of Carrier Air Wing FIVE, stationed at Atsugi, Japan and attached to USS KITTY HAWK. HS-14 is under administrative control of Commander, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. On average, the squadron is typically manned with 24 officers and technical representatives and 158 enlisted personnel.

Originally assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO, the "CHARGERS" of HS-14 deployed aboard the USS RANGER (CV-61) from 1984 to 1993, including USS RANGER's final deployment. In 1991, HS-14 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was responsible for the daring capture of four Iraqi commandos on a small island off the coast of Kuwait in addition to the destruction of one Iraqi gunboat and two anti-shipping mines.

In 1992, the squadron deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch to the North Arabian Gulf and to the coast of Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope. From the 8th to the 18th of December 1992, the squadron supported the first 11 days of Operations Restore Hope with such determination and efficiency that the Operational Commander wrote "without HS-14, the first ten days of restore Hope simply could not have happened." In May 1993, in a masterful display of planning and coordination, the squadron consisting of 174 men, seven aircraft and all support equipment, left San Diego and arrived four days later in Mayport, Florida to embark on the USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) for her transit around South America back to San Deigo. During this transit the squadron coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare with several South American navies and reinforced international relations by graciously hositng foreign naval dignitaties and squadrons.

In 1997, the Chargers participated in a wide array of exercises and training evolutions, accumulating nearly 3200 flight hours. During Operation TANDEM THRUST, HS-14 practiced SEAL team insertion techniques. Operation ASWEX '97 provided an opportunity for joint operations with JMSDF helicopters and submarines to cement relations with our Japanese allies. Operation COBRA GOLD and two CSAR dets to Guam and Kadena allowed the Chargers to fine-tune their Combat Search and Rescue prowess.

In 1998, HS-14 celebrated 3 years and more than 11,000 flight hours mishap free. During this period, the Chargers deployed safely and effectively to all corners of the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Korea, Kuwait, Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa--completing over 4200 sorties and executing the most strenuous at-sea schedule of any HS squadron on the West Coast. In recognition of this achievement and of the Chargers fine safety record, HS-14 was selected as the COMNAVAIRPAC HS community awardee for the 1997 CNO Aviation Safety Award.

The squadron's history is highlighted by two Battle Efficiency Awards (1989 and 1992), five Chief of Naval Operations Safety Awards (1989, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1997), two consecutive DESRON SEVEN Golden Arrow" Awards and the 1993 Arnold J. Isabel Award for ASW excellence, the 1998 Sikorsky Maintenance Award, and the 1998 Award for Battle efficiency (Battle "E").