Military

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Wing Light, Detachment Sigonella

The primary responsibility of Commander, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Detachment Sigonella is to provide logistical/maintenance support to Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) detachments deployed in the Med/Red Sea/Arabian Gulf operating areas. Logistics and maintenance support of deployed detachments aboard small air-capable combatants require a unique management structure. In February 1980, a support detachment was established to improve and sustain deployed LAMPS readiness within the European, Middle East, and Indian Ocean areas. This detachment has proven to be essential in maintaining readiness levels for LAMPS units deployed to those areas. In May 1987, support of VERTREP units was added to the detachment's responsibilities.

Tucked away in a hidden corner of NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Commander Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Wing United States Atlantic Fleet (COMHSLWINGLANT), Detachment Sigonella, provides a vital behind-the-scenes service for the Mediterranean, Red Sea and occasionally the Persian Gulf helicopter community. COMHSLWINGLANT's primary mission is to coordinate logistic and administrative support for those embarked helicopters. The eight Person Det is tracking ships with 22 helos, each with specific needs and requests. As a permanent det serving the "in-chopping" helicopters from the US, COMHSLWINGLANT acts as a surrogate "beach det" for flights In need. Just as a ships' beach det will coordinate supplies from shore stations, the det at sig will coordinate supplies for the helicopters. The dets report any parts they require. COMHSLWINGLANT will then converse with Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED) and Commander Navy Air Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT) to ensure parts are being moved out in the most expeditious manner. In addition to this primary mission, COMHSLWINGLANT has picked up the UH-46 "Sea knight" with its vertical replenishment (vert-rep) role. They are also doing some work for the SH-3G "Sea Kings" in Naples and Bahrain.