HSM Weapons School Holds First Change of Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060719-12
Release Date: 7/19/2006 9:25:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Seward, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Weapons School Pacific held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Noth Island, Calif., July 13.
Cmdr. Andrew Miles, executive officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 41, officially relieved Cmdr. Michael Hammond, who will attend the Naval War College in Washington, D.C., after having served 15 months as commanding officer of the weapons school.
This was the squadron’s first change of command ceremony since the school was established in May 2005.
Hammond said exceptional training takes top priority at HSM Weapons School, which offers training to officers and enlisted Sailors.
“This command harbors camaraderie like no other,” said Miles. “We treat each other like family.”
Although HSM Weapons School still trains with the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, it has introduced the new MH-60R Seahawk.
As the new commanding officer, Miles will be responsible for implementing advanced training for six Pacific Fleet HSL squadrons.
“HSM Weapons School gains its strength from outside squadrons,” said Miles. “They send us their guys, and that keeps us in business.”
The HSM Weapons School at Naval Air Station North Island has trained more than 200 air crew Sailors as part of HSM Advanced Readiness Program (HARP). The HARP program is an intense five-week training period that prepares students for their final test flight out to San Clemente Island.
“Although we’ve had much success, we still have a lot of growing to do as a new command,” said Lt. Dan Cain, an HSM Weapons School instructor.
HSM Weapons School trains and supports naval pilots and air crews in tactical mission areas, providing squadrons with the best possible training.
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