Sea Dragons do Exist
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100201-20
Release Date: 2/1/2010 4:39:00 PM
By Army Spc. Cody Black, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Nearly 20 Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM)14 Sailors are involved in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in support of Operation Unified Response.
HM-14 Sailors, operating from Naval Station Guantanomo Bay, are working to provide transport of cargo and personnel, both military members and media representatives, to areas in and out of Haiti as a part of Task Force 48. Task Force 48 is coordinating air and sea assets for the delivery of assistance to Haiti.
"Our mission is critical due to helos being able to land in inaccessible areas," said Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Matthew D. Shaw, the squadron maintenance leading petty officer.
The squadron operates the MH-53E Sea Dragon, a carrier-based helicopter capable of operating off of other platforms as well. The Sea Dragon can serve as a minesweeping aircraft which can haul up to 55 troops and transport up to a 16-ton payload.
"As maintainers, we keep the aircraft flying," said Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Richard P. Templin.
"If we can't fly, we can't transport passengers and cargo."
According to Templin, HM-14 has not only transported massive amounts of Meals, Ready to Eat (MRE's) and water, but has also transported Haitians injured in the disaster to medical relief sites.
For more news from Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit www.navy.mil/local/jtfgtmo/.
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