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Helicopter Squadron Trains During Neptune Warrior

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060629-06
Release Date: 6/29/2006 2:02:00 PM

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice John Suits, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

USS BOONE, At Sea (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 48 conducted exercises as part of the Neptune Warrior Course while embarked aboard USS Boone (FFG 28), June 25.

Neptune Warrior is a course designed to enhance coordination between NATO allies. The course involves various real-world scenarios the ships respond to as task groups from two separate fictional countries.

“We support Boone and the Neptune Warrior mission as a helo/ship integral team,” said Lt. Cmdr. Emerson Kelly, Air Department Division Officer aboard Boone. “We give the ship one more tool for the commanding officer to complete the overall mission of peacekeeping and the freedom to navigate the sea.”

HSL 48 Det. 5’s peacekeeping ability allows them to provide humanitarian relief at a moment’s notice to help eliminate the risks of worldwide aggression and terrorism. Their recent missions have been included tsunami relief and last year’s hurricane season.

During Neptune Warrior the Boone Sailors operate with 12 other allied nations and were proud to bring the United States flag to this course.

“There is a definite need to cooperate as a multinational force. It’s synergistic because allied forces bring certain skills and expertise to our mission, and it allows us to share that experience and learn lessons from it,” said Kelly.

June 25, HSL 48 Det. 5 was sent out to identify any ships operating out at sea as part of their training mission. They had a list of suspects within the scenario contributing to and supporting a fictional terrorist organization. Boone’s mission in the scenario is to ensure terrorists aren’t successfully operating while Boone is on patrol.

“We provide forward radar to the ship, radar that is data linked to Boone,” said Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate (SW) Russell Sauer, leading chief petty officer of Boone’s Air Department. “Whatever the helo sees, Boone sees too, and the helo gives Boone the opportunity to view further threats. The ship’s radar only goes so far, but the helo goes beyond that radar.”

The helicopter also provides anti-submarine capabilities by placing sonar buoys in the water, which allows them to listen for submarines.

“HSL 48 Det. 5 has a 100 percent mission completion rate. We’ve completed every flight that we were tasked with. Today, we were scheduled as alert 60, which means we are ready in an hour for anything taking place during Neptune Warrior,” said Kelly.

The Mayport-based Boone is being evaluated by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24 during the Neptune Warrior Course. Boone will leave for a scheduled deployment shortly after returning from this course. HSL 48 Det. 5 will remain embarked aboard Boone during that upcoming deployment.

For related news, visit the Destroyer Squadron 24 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/desron24/.