HSC-25 Detachment 1 Returns from Deployment
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 welcomed home Detachment 1 from a 13-month deployment Nov. 24.
Det. 1 was embarked on USNS Shasta (T-AE 33), USNS Flint (T-AE 32) and USNS Alan B. Shepard (T-AKE 3). The 32 Sailors provided vertical replenishment support, moving more than two tons of cargo and transferring passengers.
Cmdr. Ben Reynolds, HSC-25 executive officer, commended the Sailors for successfully completing their mission.
"You did logistics support and humanitarian assistance —so much of what we do in our community you all did in this microcosm of Det. 1 and you did it very well," Reynolds said.
Following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Choi-Wan, Det. 1 embarked aboard Shepard provided humanitarian support to residents of Alamagan and Agrihan Sept. 17. The islands, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), are approximately 146 nautical miles north of Saipan.
Along with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo-ammunition ship, Det. 1 was tasked with transiting to the area to assist the residents who required basic survival needs following the effects of heavy rain and winds in excess of 150 mph brought on by the super typhoon.
"We flew to Agrihan and Alamagan and we provided food supplies to 25 families and assisted a family of six with a 5-day-old baby that we rescued," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Dennison, officer-in-charge of the detachment.
Dennison credited Det. 1's success to the Sailors' level of professionalism and pride in their work.
"I joined the Navy in 1992, and I can easily say this has been the best year in my Navy career because of these folks," Dennison said. "Their dedication, hard work and positive attitude were the cornerstones of this Det. They made it successful and made it fun."
Dennison also thanked HSC-25 spouses for their strength and support.
"We couldn't have done it without you," he said. "I know it was hard for everybody, but because of your support we got through it and finished it safe and with a positive attitude."
HSC 25 is the Navy's only forward deployed vertical replenishment squadron providing deployed ships a rapid, safe and versatile means of re-supplying diminishing stores. In addition, HSC 25 provides 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation services for Guam and the Northern Mariana islands.
By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.