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HSL-51 Detachment 3 Returns from Tandem Thrust '03

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030602-02

Release Date: 6/2/2003 9:32:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Robert Maslar, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 51 Detachment 3 Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR FACILITY, ATSUGI Japan (NNS) -- The Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 51 Detachment (Det.) 3 returned from sea May 12. It was 26 days earlier, April 17, that these men first embarked on USS O'Brien (DD 975) for their journey southward to participate in the multinational exercise Tandem Thrust '03.

As a single-plane detachment, Det. 3 demonstrated that adaptability and flexibility were key components required to successfully support varied missions, including undersea warfare (USW), surface warfare (SUW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Hostile Visitation Boarding Search and Seizure (HVBSS) events. To this end, more than 100 hours were flown in direct support of the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group.

In addition, Det. 3 conducted a live-fire Hellfire MISSILEX (missile exercise) against a ship hulk in the Guam operating area. Airborne Tactical Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Tor Berg, detected, targeted and fired upon the target, striking the ship dead center and completing his initial Hellfire qualification.

Another first for Det. 3, Lt. Clay Shane, Lt. j.g. Bob Maslar and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Cody Berg participated in a highly visible and successful USW exercise, Distant Thunder; an event coordinating several air capable ships and P-3 Orion assets, resulting in increased anti-submarine war fighting ability.

Later, during a liberty port visit in Guam, Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Donald Pope participated in a local community relations project. He volunteered to visit children attending Harry S. Truman Elementary School and took part in "Career Day." Pope participated in a question and answer session with children from prekindergarten to 5th grade, who had many questions about the Navy and what it was like traveling and working on helicopters.

Once all missions were done; everyone, from the aircrew who flew the missions, to the 16 men that comprised the maintenance team, shared the successful responsibility of keeping Warlord 05 fully mission capable.

Leading Petty Officer Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joseph Nourse summed it all up by saying, "It was a good underway from the maintenance perspective, thanks to all the great talent we have."