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Helo Squadron Showcases Agility During Talisman Saber

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090723-02
Release Date: 7/23/2009 1:42:00 PM

By Marine Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil

QUEENSLAND, Australia (NNS) -- Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) seeks out and eliminates any threats to U.S. vessels and is one of two units of its kind in the U.S. Navy.

Utilizing the MH-53E Sea Dragon, one of the Navy's most valuable aircraft, the unit performs airborne mine countermeasure missions and long-range mine-sweeping missions. It has the heaviest lifting capabilities of all aircraft, especially to tow heavy mine-sweeping gear. It also lifts vehicles and heavy weapons systems, making it an essential piece of Navy equipment.

Stationed in Norfolk, Va., HM-14 Detachment 1 has been forward-deployed to Pohang, South Korea, as part of the 7th Fleet in Okinawa, Japan. Armed with 60 personnel and two Sea Dragons, they are currently participating in Exercise Talisman Saber 2009.

"This is our first time being part of an exercise like this," said Lt. Cmdr. Tony Monell, officer in charge of HM-14 Det. 1. "It's a great opportunity to focus on interoperability and further develop as a unit."

TS09 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations, which will help improve Australian Defense Force/ U.S. combat readiness and interoperability.

Upon arrival in Australia, HM-14 took their birds to the seas and ensured routes were clear for the arrival of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"The MEU can't move freely until we clear the way. We make sure the path is free of any threats; it's a huge role," said Monell, an 18-year Navy veteran and Boulder, Colo., native. "The exercise is a terrific opportunity to show what we can do."

Along with ensuring the safety of the ship, bringing in approximately 2,100 U.S. Marines and Sailors to participate in TS09 and sustaining their mine countermeasure abilities, the Australian Defense Force has planted mine shapes in the waters for the unit to detect. This helps them familiarize themselves with their sonar capabilities to eliminate the threat.

"Talisman Saber is a live-fire exercise, designed to be realistic. We don't get opportunities like this often," said Monell, a graduate of the University of Colorado. "This is as real-world as you can get."

The "Vanguard," as the unit is referred to for being the lead in movements, has capabilities to rapidly deploy to any part of the world where mine threats may exist in 72 hours via Air Force C-5s. For TS09, they practiced their preparations for their voyage to Australia on USS Denver (LPD 9).

"Mobility is key. We've proved that we can be on scene quickly and get lanes swept and cleared before they are used," said Lt. John Hamann a pilot with the squadron.

Since their arrival in Australia, the Sailors of HM-14 have found their Australian counterparts to be helpful, friendly and supportive. Their eagerness to teach and be taught has truly emulated the intent behind TS09.

"We've had terrific interaction with the Aussies. We're looking forward to learning from them and teaching them what we know so together we can become better war fighters," said Monell.

TS09 is a major undertaking which reflects the closeness of the Australia/U.S. alliance and the strength of the military-military relationship.

Royal Australian Air Force personnel from the 382nd Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (ECSS), working with the HM-14 sailors, see it as a chance to ensure current and future joint operations are seamless.

"There's no doubt working together is beneficial for us on both ends. We've been fighting wars together for years, and now we're operating together in the Middle East," said Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. Bryan Hudson with the 382nd ECSS. "Training in the rear lets us hit the ground running come time for real missions."

HM-14 Det. 1 personnel hope to make the best of their time in Australia and show off their valuable skills.

"There will be a lot of flying, no doubt about that. I want to show everyone what we're all about," said Monell.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.