"Saberhawks" Out to Sea
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060307-02
Release Date: 3/7/2006 8:58:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman Jennifer S. Kimball, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47, the "Saberhawks," departed Naval Air Station North Island March 3 on a Western Pacific deployment in support of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9.
The squadron’s missions are anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface surveillance and control, vertical replenishment, and search and rescue operations.
While en route, CSG 9 will be conducting an ASW exercise off the coast of Hawaii. This training opportunity is designed to further enhance the strike group’s abilities to meet the Pacific Fleet commander’s top warfighting priority, ASW, at a time when quiet submarine technologies are proliferating around the world. Participating units will exercise and test coordinated ASW tactics while collecting performance data to evaluate their proficiency.
“We’re the eyes and ears of the strike group, and our mission is to protect our ships and combat power,” said Cmdr. Shawn P. Malone, executive officer HSL-47.
HSL-47 prepared for its second deployment with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) through its fleet response plan. The fleet response training includes multi-warfare exercises, educating crew members and qualifications.
“This deployment is a mixture of an old and new way of deploying with our command element stationed with Lincoln,” said Cmdr. Daniel E. Boyles, commanding officer HSL-47.
The squadron is a test bed for the new helicopter master plan called “Bravo to Sea." The squadron is preparing for the next generation of aircraft making the transition from traditional SH-60B Seahawk helicopter expeditionary operations of today, to carrier based MH-60R Knighthawk helicopter operations of tomorrow.
Command Master Chief (SW) Terry W. Piper said it’s the first cruise for many of the squadron members, so veteran members have stepped up and provided leadership and advice to prepare them for the cruise.
“I’ve been in the Navy for 30 months, and this is my first deployment,” said Aviations Electronics Technician 3rd Class Alexander J. Hunter. “I have a lot of unknowns about the deployment, but I’m really excited to experience Navy life at sea.”
HSL-47 is part of CSG 9, which also includes Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, comprised of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 2, VFA-151, VFA-34, VFA-137, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 2, and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
CSG 9 also includes Lincoln, USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Shoup (DDG 86) and the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 9.
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