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HSC-28 Detachment Returns from Deployment, Prepares for Next

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061114-05
Release Date: 11/14/2006 9:00:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Merriam, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 Det. 3 returned from a six-month deployment to the Middle East with the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Nov. 3.

Already, some of the Sailors who just returned are preparing to deploy again in early 2007 to the squadron’s detachment in Naples, Italy.

“I’m pretty happy about going to Naples. I got home, had my 96-hour liberty and now I’m ready leave the house again to go back underway,” Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class (AW) Kyle Kurzendoerfer said. “It’s going to be a good detachment. I’ve deployed with a lot of these people already. The quick turnaround doesn’t bother me, but it’s pretty hard on my girlfriend and family.”

Before they leave on their next deployment, the members of HSC-28 Det. 3 have time to relax and look back on their experience with the CSG.

“We had a successful deployment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Niedzwiecki, officer-in-charge of Det. 3. “Our most important task was keeping the ships actively involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom supplied with the necessary equipment they needed, whether it be the parts, ammunition or supplies.

“Logistically that’s our job, to get the stuff to them so they can go and do their mission. So, day in and day out, we have to have the birds up flying to deliver the goods when needed," he added. "The guys really went above and beyond.”

During the deployment, the detachment flew 480 hours, transported 4,265 tons of cargo, and carried 440 passengers between the ships and shore. Members of the detachment are also proud that they kept their helicopters up and running for 95 percent of the deployment, explaining that the only time the equipment wasn’t working was when they needed to order supplies from shore.

“There were some hiccups on this deployment that I learned to deal with, and I’m bringing the experience to the next deployment,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (AW) Nathan Kelly, avionics supervisor. “We also had a chance to do vertical replenishments with a variety of ships that I’ve never worked with before.”

Now that the detachment is back in Norfolk, they will stay in a ready to deploy “surge” status for a short time before the squadron mans up the next group to deploy.

“It’s part of the job to be sent out, and a lot of people want to go,” Kelly said. “We had a great deployment. It was a lot of fun with a good group of people, and now I have a few months to relax and get ready for the next one. I’m really looking forward to going to Naples.”