Norfolk-Based HM-12 Successfully Trains Squadron on Aerial Firefighting Capability

Story by Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg,

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 successfully tested, trained, and qualified their squadron and aircrew from three separate squadrons on the use of the Bambi Bucket to support aerial firefighting missions, if tasked, on the East Coast, Oct. 8.

The MH-53E is the only rotary aircraft in the U.S. Navy with the capability to airlift a large-scale bucket of this size, which weighs 11,000 pounds when transporting water.

“The East Coast now has the aerial firefighting capability to provide airborne fire suppression efforts when called upon,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Spencer, HM-12 pilot. “This airborne firefighting training is similar to other mission areas to include lifting of heavy equipment, and cast and recovery in support of expeditionary forces.”

Spencer added that the capability HM-12 brings would be a game changer if called upon. For aerial firefighting support, the bucket is capable of transporting 1,300 gallons. necessary expertise to execute the required training in September,” said Spencer. “We qualified eight crews, and now have the capability to provide two aircraft with buckets for firefighting response efforts.”

Master Chief Naval Air Crewman (Helicopters) Lance Howarth (NAC/AW/SW) emphasized the proper storage of these buckets more than 14 years ago enabled the squadron to start training.

“With more than 14 years of time passed since actively using this capability on the East Coast prior to the disestablishment of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4, there were no airborne firefighting qualified pilots assigned on the East Coast,” said Howarth, who had civilian experience aerial fighting fires prior during a break in his naval service. “However, aircrewmen still serving in the community had experience flying these missions and we were able to leverage that experience.”

HM-12 is tasked to support two primary missions, Airborne Mine Counter Measure (AMCM) mission and the Navy Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) mission to support expeditionary forces.