U.S. Helicopter Squadron Meets with Singaporean Leaders
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070823-05
Release Date: 8/23/2007 11:27:00 AM
By Lt. Michael Lanzillo, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 Public Affairs
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot maneuvering his American-made Apache helicopter in the local flying pattern at Sembawang Airbase Aug. 7 cast the perfect backdrop for a forum between leaders of the U.S. and Singaporean naval forces.
Participants included U.S. Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 Det. 1, "World Famous Vanguard;” the commodore of Singapore Mine Countermeasures Squadron 194; the commanding officer of the RSS Kallang, a Singaporean Mine Countermeasures ship; and the commanding officer and pilots of the Singaporean 126th Air Force Squadron, "The Cougars."
HM-14 hosted the Singaporean military officers to showcase both the enormous and powerful MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, as well as its multiple roles and capabilities in airborne mine countermeasures and its secondary, yet often more utilized heavy lifting ability.
“This was an incredible opportunity to not only show what we do but establish relationships with those of the Singapore forces,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Buhr, the detachment officer in charge (OIC). “We were pleased to see the enthusiasm and friendliness from the Singaporean forces and look forward to working with them as part of operations in the future.”
Buhr introduced the HM-14 pilots and enlisted personnel who have, in the last two months, flown four MH-53Es cross country from Norfolk to San Diego, embarked with the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and particpated in Pacific Partnership. The Pacific Partnership flights have been related to humanitarian assistance in the Philippines and Vietnam.
The detachment debarked Peleliu after these missions and has been in Singapore awaiting transit to their final destination, Iwakuni, Japan, to further support 7th Fleet operations.
The squadron presented a brief, yet informative presentation to the Singaporean officers to start the day of exchange. Lt. Saverio Perrotta, serving as HM-14 Det. 1 assistant OIC and squadron tactics officer, spoke about both aircraft performance characteristics for the aviators in company as well as about mine hunting, sweeping, and clearing capabilities for the surface mine countermeasures personnel.
Participants felt the highlight of the brief was the images displayed as a result of HM-14’s Q-24A mine hunting, side scan sonar equipped with laser line scan technology. The clarity of the underwater mines, visible from pictures taken by the device, drew strong reaction from the surface personnel, sparking much discussion and many questions as to the device’s strengths and weaknesses.
Following the slide show presentation to the Singaporean guests, all members traveled to the flight line for a static display and an up close and personal view of the MH-53E. Both the Singaporean pilots, who fly the Super Puma helicopter, and the naval officers from the mine countermeasures ships were keenly interested in the "Big Iron," and shared their enthusiasm about both HM-14's presence in Singapore, as well as their own assets and talents.
All of the officers were heard describing the Sea Dragon helicopter as “huge,” and “amazing.” In contrast to the surface naval officers present, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots demonstrated their excitement not for the AMCM devices, but rather for the large helicopter itself. While quite familiar with American aviation assets, few had ever seen a Sea Dragon up close, let alone sat in the cockpit.
“You can almost reach over and not be able to touch your copilot,” describing the distance between the two pilot seats due to control panel separating them," RSAF Maj. Alan Chan said.
The energetic and lively discussions of mine countermeasures and American logistics support in ferrying the helicopters around the world foreshadowed the potential for future cooperation between the United States and Singapore. Buhr said this was especially true in the realm of mine countermeasures, and certainly forged friendships between men and women from very different countries as they share the title, "Brothers in Arms."
Like the Singaporean Apache pilot in the pattern overhead, the officers of HM-14 sought to once again prove the unity of our nations through military comradeship and partnership.
HM-14, Det. 1, based in Norfolk is on a routine deployment to support 7th Fleet operations.
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