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Firehawks Participate in Iraqi Freedom

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031020-07

Release Date: 10/20/2003 2:30:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Rebecca Horton, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The "Firehawks" of Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron (HCS) 5 are currently in Iraq, mobilized and deployed for the first time since Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

HCS-5 was the first naval air squadron deployed to Iraq, and the Firehawks still remain in theater.

"We have been called on to support Operation Iraqi Freedom for an indefinite amount of time," said Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) 1st Class Richard Segla, HCS-5 work center supervisor.

A squadron solely comprised of Reservists, HCS-5 is one of two squadrons in the Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support, and combat search and rescue.

Due to the uniqueness of their primary missions, servicemembers from the squadron can tell you they don't have the ordinary requirements of a Reserve unit.

"Our Selected Reservists dedicate more time than one weekend a month and two weeks a year," said Cmdr. Russell Allen, HCS-5 executive officer. "The mission is challenging, and the training requirements are high."

Pilots with HCS-5 are some of the most experienced helicopter pilots in the Navy, according to Allen. The average pilot has 12.5 years of experience flying, more than 2,600 logged military flight hours and more than seven years of mission experience.

The air crew members assigned come from all different ratings. "We are qualified in multiple weapons and tactics, and some of us can operate as search and rescue medical technicians," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Kenneth Maust, HCS-5 air crew member.

"Every Sailor in our squadron is truly dedicated to his or her job," Allen said.

In addition to the well-prepared crew, the Firehawks took four Sikorsky HH-60H Seahawk helicopters with them to Kuwait and Iraq.

"Our aircraft lead the Navy with mission system and weapon system upgrades," said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Scribner, HCS-5 pilot and operations department head. "With them, we are able to operate in a medium-threat environment, close to the ground. It's just what we need to complete our primary missions."

The HH-60H Seahawk, manned with two pilots and two or three air crew members, is capable of flying low levels and long distances at night, in challenging operational environments. It can land on any surface with the intent of inserting or extracting personnel. Aircraft Survivability Equipment on the helo enables the flight crew to defend themselves against infrared and radar-guided missiles.

In March, 70 percent of the squadron's selective Reservists were called to active duty in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"We mobilized 75 people and deployed to Kuwait within 10 days," Allen said. "We arrived in March to support U.S. Central Command, Special Operations Command Central and Joint Special Operations Air Component."

Although the majority of their flights in the Iraqi theater have been supporting special operations ground forces missions, both in urban and rural areas, they have also provided support in other ways to the military.

"We have performed some secondary missions since being deployed to Iraq," said Allen. "During Iraqi Freedom, we worked with PSYOPS [psychological operations] in dropping leaflets over Iraqi cities explaining to the Iraqi army how to surrender."

The Firehawks have also participated in military operations in urban terrain, and helped with medical and casualty evacuations. Altogether, they have flown more than 390 sorties and logged more than 850 flight hours.

Although the Firehawks are in Iraq for an indefinite amount of time, Segla, Scribner and Maust recently returned home and are scheduled to go back in the coming months.

"Our goal is to keep our Sailors in theater for 90 to 120 days at a time," said Allen. "We are constantly rotating through the squadron, sending Sailors to Iraq, and bringing others home."