HSC-28 Conducts Night Operations Training
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070216-29
Release Date: 2/16/2007 9:30:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Ray Hendrix, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
CHERRY POINT, N.C. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 conducted combat readiness exercises Feb. 12 aboard MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.
With the use of night vision device (NVD) goggles, flight operators and air crew members performed gun pattern exercises for qualification purposes and flight formation tactics. This training is held at a minimum of every 180 days to keep their qualifications up to date.
“The advantage of flying at night is that helos are virtually invisible to the naked eye, especially on a night like tonight when there is no moonlight,” said Lt. Josh Hensley, HSC-28 assistant operations officer.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Nicholas Tookenay reinforced the squadron's “trains to fight and fights to train” attitude.
“We do our best to build up NVD hours to become comfortable and proficient with tasks at hand when using the goggles,” said Tookenay. “Over time the air crew personnel and pilots get a good mental focus and sight picture allowing all flights to run safe and smoothly.”
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class (NAC) James Simpson, an air crew man qualifying on a M240 machine gun, found the experience and training unique.
“NVD enables you to see the tracer round a lot better, which comes out every five to seven rounds and it allows you [to] accurately hit your target,” said Simpson. “It’s awesome to get the opportunity to do things like this in the Navy.”
HSC-28 training strengthens their Sailors' abilities to complete future missions while sustaining combat readiness.
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