• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

HM-15 Changes Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120524-14
5/24/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tracey L. Whitley, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) -- Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 "Blackhawks," held a change of command ceremony on board Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, May 22.

Cmdr. Sara Santoski relieved Cmdr. Richard Thomas and assumed the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of HM-15.

Capt. Paul Esposito, commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, presented Thomas with a Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as commanding officer from May 2011 - May 2012.

After receiving his award, Thomas thanked the HM-15 crew.

"One year ago, today, I uttered the following: whether the mission be to conduct airborne mine countermeasure operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, provide humanitarian disaster relief halfway around the world, or to break down aircraft in response to our 72-hour worldwide rapid deployment capability; be ready to deploy and to succeed," said Thomas. "Your response has been both overwhelming and rewarding. All of your efforts have earned my deepest appreciation and I am confident the Blackhawks will continue to sail under the outstanding leadership of skipper Santoski."

Santoski, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., is a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. She previously served as executive officer of HM-15.

"Blackhawks, thank you for all your hard work over the past year. You've met and exceeded every challenge that came your way and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your commanding officer," said Santoski. "I hope one year from now you will be proud to say you served with me. I already know I'll be proud to say that I served with each and every one of you."

The Blackhawks were established Jan. 2, 1987 in Norfolk, Va. In 1991, the squadron was involved in its first major conflict when it deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and in recent years provided support for Operation Enduring Freedom. HM-15 missions include conducting mine countermeasure operations, airborne mine countermeasure operations, humanitarian relief efforts and fleet logistics operations.

HM-15 is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 52, supporting mine countermeasures in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.