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HSL 46 Detachment 5 Returns from 6-Month HOA Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100319-23
Release Date: 3/19/2010 3:06:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Anthony Bomba, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 46 Public Affairs

MAYPORT,Fla. (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46 Detachment 5 returned home Mar. 17 after a six-month counter-piracy operations deployment to the Horn of Africa (HOA).

HSL 46 was embarked aboard the Mayport-based guided-missile frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45) in support of counter-piracy operations under the direction of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flying over 750 mishap-free flight hours.

One of Detachment 5's meritorious efforts was escorting the Greek merchant vessel Ariana after its release from pirate captivity off the coast of Somalia.

"This is what I have been trained to do for more than three years," said Lt. j.g. James Shoffitt. "It is very fulfilling to get to do the job I've been trained for."

In addition to counter piracy, Det. 5 quickly integrated with coalition forces from many nations, to include Jordan, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Greece, China, and Russia. This included a three-month joint operation with the Royal Jordanian Navy.

"Det. Five was involved in quite a few operations while they were out there, and it's good to know that they were able to go out and execute their mission and make the world a little safer," said HSL 46 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Brad Garber.

Det. 5 eagerly flew home to Naval Station Mayport, where many family members, friends, and shipmates were waited with open arms.

"It feels wonderful," said Tammy Jarrett, wife of SH-60B pilot Lt. David Jarrett. "It has been way too long; our daughter has been asking for him all morning today, she's very excited."

On the other end of the homecoming Lt. Peter Bras could not be happier to be home.

"This feels awesome," said Bras while holding his daughter Madison Bras after six months of separation. "This is good stuff; this is why we do it."

As HSL 46 Detachment Five winds down after six months of hard work, the squadron 46 prepares to send three more detachments to sea in support of operations worldwide.