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HSL-43 Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080418-08
Release Date: 4/18/2008 11:52:00 AM

From Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 43 Public Affairs

NAS NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43 "Battlecats" held a change of command ceremony April 15 at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI).

Cmdr. Richard F. O'Connell succeeded Cmdr. Matthew F. Coughlin as commanding officer.

Coughlin assumed command of HSL-43 in February 2007. His next duty assignment is USS Peleliu (LHA 5) where he will serve as the "Air Boss."

O'Connell served as HSL-43's executive officer since February 2007, was commissioned in the Navy upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990.

Designated a naval aviator in June 1992, he began his SH-60B training with the HSL-41 "Seahawks." O'Connell was later assigned to NASNI's HSL-45 "Wolfpack," from June 1993 until June 1996. During his tour with the "Wolfpack," O'Connell deployed twice to the Persian Gulf – once as the assistant operations officer with Detachment 5 aboard USS Antietam (CG 54) and again as the operations officer with Detachment 2 aboard USS Harry W. Hill (DD 986).

Following his tour with HSL-45, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif., and graduated with a Master of Science in manpower systems analysis. He reported to USS Boxer (LHD 4) in April 1998, where he served as the hangar deck officer, flight deck officer and aircraft handling officer while deployed to the Persian Gulf.

In August 2001, he returned to the Wolfpack and served as the training officer and officer in charge of Detachment 5 aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). O'Connell also participated in the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After he completed his tour as the Wolfpack operations officer, O'Connell reported to Chief of Naval Operations staff, in November 2003, as an Aviation Budget Analyst in the Assessment, Programming and Integration Division.

Following his Pentagon tour, O'Connell reported to National War College and received a second master's degree in national security strategy.

The Battle Cats' mission is in direct support of the CNO's Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower by providing fully combat-ready SH-60B Seahawk Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System detachment pilots, air crew men, technicians and aircraft to U.S. Pacific Fleet warships. Seapower is the common denominator that enables global security, stability and prosperity. The Maritime Strategy ensures that the right capabilities are available at the right time in the right place.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.