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HSL 42 : The First to Embark on USS Nitze

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080409-16
Release Date: 4/9/2008 5:28:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Hall, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

ABOARD USS NITZE (NNS) -- Like a new neighbor moving in next door, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 "Proud Warriors" tried to make a good impression with the Sailors assigned to USS Nitze (DDG 94) when the helicopter detachment first reported aboard March 17.

By all accounts, it appears that they were successful, as HSL 42 becomes the first permanently embarked air detachment for the three-year-old Nitze.

"Everybody has confidence in one another," said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) 2nd Class Grayson Young, a HSL 42 air crew member. "These guys on the ship make decisions on their own on how to handle flight operations. The air crew is not second guessing them; that makes our jobs that much easier."

Lt. Cmdr. Edward O'Grady, officer in charge of the HSL 42's Detachment and the ship's "Air Boss," said the initial integration into the ship's company was a concern.

"The general challenges are that we take rooms, we take spots on the mess line and space all over the ship that once was used for something else", he said, noting the initial concerns were swept away once they began working as a team.

HSL 42, which fly the SH 60B Seahawk, provides Nitze with capabilities such as air and surface warfare missions, logistical medical evacuations and rescue operations.

"I think everyone on board understands what we bring to the ship," said O'Grady. "The crew's level of professionalism on how to handle air operations has been outstanding. It is amazing, their knowledge and willingness to go above and beyond has put our air crew at ease."

The ship's executive officer said he was very happy with the way the ship's crew and the squadron came together.

"This integration has been the smoothest and most seamless I have seen," said Nitze's Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Joe Carrigan. "I just haven't seen it like this and I keep telling the department heads that I do not think this is normal; it is usually not this easy."

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.