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Preble, HSL-45 Team Up for Valiant Shield

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070815-02
Release Date: 8/15/2007 8:48:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Ron Reeves, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS PREBLE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) and embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Squadron (HSL) 45 Det. 1, the “Wolfpack,” have been working together for more than a year; two commands integrated to complete a unified mission.

After completing six months of operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Preble and the Wolfpack now bring their teamwork to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.

“This is the largest strike force put together in years,” said Cmdr. Andy L. Feinberg, commanding officer of Preble. “We will be used as a sensor and weapons platform, and our helicopter detachment will be used for simulated weapons employment.”

Valiant Shield 2007 brings together more than 30 ships, 280 aircraft and 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in the Guam operating area.

Exercising the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, Valiant Shield provides an opportunity to operate and sustain military assets in a blue water environment that is very different from other theaters, such as the Middle East.

While employing two SH-60B Seahawks, HSL-45 and Preble’s mission is to primarily track and engage if necessary, surface and sub-surface contacts. Their ability to work together to complete these missions has been imperative.

“I think we have been extremely successful; we have met or exceeded every goal that has been set for us,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kristen Herr-Garrett, an HSL-45 pilot and Preble’s air boss. “The personalities on board this ship and the forward-leaning methods of our ‘det’ and Preble, have really helped make a smooth integration.”

For the Sailors, it’s a final chance to show what they are capable of.

“Valiant Shield is sort of the culmination of everything we’ve done and learned this deployment,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jason Connor, one of Preble’s anti-surface and anti-submarine tactical air controllers. “It’s a great way for us to show we can still get the job done, even at the end of a long deployment.”

After nearly seven months at sea, Preble and HSL-45 continue to work together, successfully completing any mission assigned to them as a team. Valiant Shield 2007 highlights their ability, not only to work as a team, but integrate and contribute to a large combat force.