Military

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light [HSL-41]
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron [HSM-41]
"Seahawks"

On December 8th, 2005, HSL-41 officially changed it's name from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41. This change was due to the squadron receiving the MH-20R helicopter and its new mulit-mission capability.

HSL-41 [Seahawks, formerly Island Rulers] is the West Coast LAMPS MK III Fleet Replacement Squadron at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. HSL-41 was established 21 January 1983. Pilots report to HSL-41 for initial SH-60B Seahawk training, and return to HSL-41 for SH-60B refresher training.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 41 (HSL 41) was the Navy's first Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III squadron. Established on 21 January 1983, the "Seahawks" fly the Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. HSL 41 is the west coast Fleet Replacement Squadron dedicated to the training of new pilots and aircrewmen.

The first Fleet Replacement Pilot and Fleet Replacement Aircrew validation classes commenced in 1984. The Operational Flight Trainer and Weapons Tactics Trainer came online soon after the class began. The close of the year saw the first Recovery Assist Secure Traverse System (RAST) landing aboard a LAMPS MK III configured ship, USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37).

In 1994, HSL 41 integrated the SH-60B Block One Improvement into the curriculum, and in 1998, completed curriculum additions to include the Armed Helo Upgrade and Night Vision Goggle training. Curriculum development for SH-60R training has begun with pilot training scheduled to begin in 2002.

Since commissioning, the squadron has completed over 14 consecutive years of "mishap free" service to the fleet. In 1996, HSL 41 reached the impressive milestone of 80,000 flight hours without a major aircraft accident. Meritorious Unit Commendations were awarded in 1985, 1988 and 1991. In 1999, HSL 41 took on the additional task of training the initial cadre of CH-60S pilots and aircrew. The experience gained from 17 years of mishap-free operations will be passed on to this new platform.

In January 2004, HSL 41 surpassed 120,000 flight hours without a major aircraft incident. Since 1983, HSL 41 has trained over 3000 Fleet Replacement Pilots and Aircrew for service in LAMPS MK III fleet squadrons.

The success of West Coast LAMPS detachments in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf is a tribute to the quality of initial and follow-on training that has been the hallmark of HSL 41. The squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1985, 1988, 1991 and 2002.

On December 8th, 2005, HSL-41 officially changed it's name from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41.