Flagship June 28, 2012

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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family

Vol. 20, No. 26 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 06.28.12

HSL 42 DETACHMENT 7 BEGINS FINAL DEPLOYMENT WITH SH-60B SEAHAWK By MC2 (SW/AW) William Jamieson USS Jason Dunham Public Affairs

USS JASON DUNHAM, AT SEA

Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Detachment 7 “Proud Warriors,” began its last deployment while embarked aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), June 22. During the spring of 2013, the HSL 42 Proud Warriors will transition from the SH-60B helicopter to the new MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and in the process become Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72. “The SH-60B has been a workhorse for many years and this will be a bittersweet time for us in many ways,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Chester, officer-in-charge of HSL 42 Det. 7. “However, we are ready for our mission. We intend to accomplish that mission and establish the warrior legacy as we sundown the SH-60B with honor and pride.” Dunham and the Proud Warriors, deployed as part of Carrier Strike Group 8, will operate in support of 5th and 6th Fleet maritime security objectives. The MH-60R combines the best features of the SH-60B and SH-60F into one multi-mission platform. The improvements include: an updated cockpit, digital monitors for flight instrumentation and the addition of mission avionics. While this transition will facilitate many advantages for the pilots and crews, Chester said that it will be hard to say goodbye. Even with the upgrades ahead for the squadron, HSL 42 Det. 7 pilots said their current SH-60B’s still have a lot of fight left in them. “Our maintenance team does an outstanding job of keeping our aircraft fully mission capable and

» see HSL 42

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Above: An SH-60B Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) 42 lands aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

The SH-60B has been a workhorse for many years and this will be a bittersweet time for us in many ways. However, we are ready for our mission.”

Left: Ship Serviceman Seaman Komla Sapey looks out while manning the rails aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) as it prepares to get underway on its maiden deployment. Jason Dunham deployed as part of Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

- Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Chester, officer-incharge of HSL 42 Det. 7 Photos by MC2 William Jamieson

United Service Organization guests for Exceptional Family Member Program Day at King’s Dominion Amusement Park enjoy the countrywestern show “Saddle Up” on June 22.

MC1 Eric Brown

USO hosts exceptional family members at King’s Dominion Press Release USOHRCV Public Affairs

DOSWELL,VA.

King’s Dominion amusement park offered free admission to more than 60 rides, shows and attractions to hundreds of special guests, including about 120 children, for the United Service Organizations (USO) of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia’s Exceptional Family Member Pro-

A NAVY FIRST Lt. Britta Christianson of Ohio’s Gold Crew became the first female supply officer to qualify in submarines, June 22 during a brief ceremony at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. » see A10

gram (EFMP) Day, June 22. “We are here today to take care of that other half of the USO’s mission – enhancing the quality of life of active duty personnel families,” said Bruce Lalonde, USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia President and CEO. “This is a very special day. We take some exceptional young men and women, from 4 - 16 years old, and use this as a way

» see USO | A11

Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Visits ‘Big E’ By MC2 (SW) Kristin L. Grover hear firsthand from Sailors Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, AT SEA

The commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic visited aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), June 21 and 22, while the ship was underway in the Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch arrived aboard Enterprise to

about how well they are able to execute their mission and to identify any concerns or challenges they face while deployed. Branch met with officers, chiefs and junior enlisted Sailors in an effort to better understand issues at all levels. “Enterprise is a national treasure,” said Branch. “I’m

» see VISIT | A11

MC3 Britney N. Epps Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic greets Sailors aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

SCHOOL OF MUSIC TO CELEBRATE 77 YEARS OF TRAINING By MU1 Jessica McClanahan Center for Service Support Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH

The School of Music will celebrate 77 years as an established learning site, June 29, with a free, public concert at the Gator Theater on Joint Ex-

WARRIOR HONORED AT PENTAGON Defense Secretary Panetta recognized 50 Warrior Games athletes who competed in the in Colorado, June 25.

» see B1

peditionary Base Little CreekFort Story (JEBLCFS). The Gator Theater on JEBLCFS will host the School of Music’s faculty and staff Wind Ensemble in honor of this milestone in training. According to the Naval History and Heritage Com-

BEACH HOSTS STARS & STRIPES EXPLOSION Multiple live performances will attract thousands of visitors and residents to a “starspangled” salute in Virginia Beach July 4.

» see C1

mand, “musician” became an officially recognized rating in 1838. Ninety-seven years later, a formal training center for the professional development of Navy MU’s was established June 26, 1935 in Washington,

» see 77 YEARS | A11

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