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Underwood, HSL-60 Return to Mayport

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101005-14
10/5/2010

By Ens. Kimberly Hanson, USS Underwood Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Underwood (FFG 36) and Helicopter Squadron Anti-Submarine Light 60 (HSL-60) returned to homeport in Mayport, Fla., Oct. 5, following a successful six-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific in support of counter-illicit trafficking operations.

While underway, Underwood was responsible for four counter-narcotic disruptions resulting in the seizure of 4.3 metric tons of cocaine with a wholesale value of $86,200,000 and a retail value of $301,700,000.

In addition to the completion of this mission, Underwood Sailors had the opportunity to strengthen foreign relations, volunteer to help the less fortunate, provide humanitarian aid, achieve career milestones, and meet personal and professional goals.

Underwood departed Mayport Apr. 5 to begin its voyage to the Eastern Pacific. While transiting, Underwood completed a joint training exercise with a U.S. Army Blackhawk squadron based out of Soto Cano Air Base near Comayagua, Honduras. During the course of two days, Underwood conducted 12 hours of deck landing qualifications to certify 15 Army pilots.

In May, Underwood Sailors completed a theater security cooperation event with the Colombian navy in Bahia Malaga, Colombia.

Underwood and HSL-60 Sailors were committed to volunteering during port visits. Underwood's most frequently visited port was Panama City, Panama. Underwood and HSL-60 Sailors volunteered their time at three community relations projects.
At Instituto Comercial, a public school located just outside the city, Sailors worked with the U.S. Embassy to paint a basketball court, plant new plants in the school's garden, and engaged in language activities to help the students practice conversational English.

At Hogar Divino Nino Orphanage, Sailors played with children and gave the house a deep cleaning and fresh coat of paint. They also made repairs to the house including installing ceiling fans, re-wiring hallway lights, and fixing shower faucets.

At the Foundation of Friends of Children with Leukemia and Cancer, Underwood bought paint to coat several large rooms.

In addition to community relations projects, Underwood distributed donations provided by Project Handclasp. Underwood delivered these donations to representatives from Accion Integral in Bahia Malaga and Cartagena, Colombia, to be distributed throughout the country.

After two deadly volcanoes and tropical storm Agatha hit Guatemala in late May, Underwood sped to the coast to provide relief. Underwood and HSL-60's support resulted in more than 11,000 pounds of supplies being delivered into Guatemala in their time of need. Underwood was also responsible for locating and rescuing three Ecuadorian fishermen during the tropical storm.

While underway, Underwood Sailors met many personal and professional goals. The command welcomed to the Navy two new master chiefs, Master Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW/FPJ) Matthew T. Miesle and Master Chief Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Donald P. McColl, one new senior chief, Senior Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Laconia McIntosh, and three new chiefs, Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Jeremy A. Campbell, Chief Logistics Specialist (SW) Larry J. Turner, and Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Robert L. Neeley.

Many challenging qualifications were earned during the course of six months. While deployed, Underwood qualified three tactical action officers, ten Combat Information Center watch officers, six officers of the deck, five engineering officers of the watch, and held boards for four surface warfare officers. Thirty-six Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, including four personnel from HSL-60.

Underwood's fitness program on board was a large part of daily underway life. Underwood fitness leaders coordinated several competitions for Sailors.

The first was "The Biggest Loser" competition. Weigh-ins were held during the first and last weeks of the deployment, and as with the reality television series, the individual who lost the most weight was deemed the winner. Four sailors lost more than 25 pounds, and total weight lost by all participants was 525 pounds.

Underwood also held several CrossFIT challenges. CrossFIT workouts are intense workouts focused on mental toughness and common movements that strengthen the body and core. Participants were able to gauge improvement by tracking scores from various competitions held throughout the deployment. Underwood also participated in the Fleet Around the Globe Circumnavigation Challenge. Three fitness-minded Sailors logged more than 400 miles each.

Commander, US Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) is the naval component command for U.S. Southern Command and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including Theater Security Cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.