HSM-72 Squadron Update

An Update from HSM-72

By LT Richard “Tricky” Cavins

The Proud Warriors of HSM-72 are deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 1(CVW-1) in support of Carrier Strike Group 8’s (CSG-8) 2021-2022 Cooperative Deployment onboard USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and USS Gravely (DDG 107), demonstrating resolve and strengthening alliances. During the first three months of deployment, the Proud Warriors flawlessly executed 760 sorties encompassing 2,085 flight hours in support of operational tasking and various exercises.

In December, HSM-72 commenced deployment with Combat Element (CEL) 3, conducting shore-based operations from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Wallops Island Facility in Wallops Island, VA and supporting U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Battle Problem 21-3. Integrating with the United States Marine Corps 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, CEL 3 tested cross-branch interoperability in order to execute a common mission. Upon completion, CSG-8 crossed the Atlantic Ocean into the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). Operating with four CELs, HSM-72 maintained a 24-hour Recognized Maritime Picture in support of Combatant Commander tasking while simultaneously promoting freedom of navigation in the global maritime environment.

During the first three months of deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOR, HSM-72 operated with seven allied countries to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare. Under North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Command, HSM-72 participated in Operation NEPTUNE STRIKE 2022. During the various evolutions with allied countries, HSM- 72 demonstrated the ability of the MH-60R to operate as a Command and Control platform across Joint and International Operations as an integral organic asset to the Carrier Strike Group.

The heart of HSM-72 continues to be the maintenance team, who afforded the Squadron the ability to execute the 2,085 mishap-free flight hours during deployment, resulting in a 98 percent sortie completion rate in support of operational tasking. Their hard work was recognized by the presentation of the CVW 1 2021 Golden Wrench Award, as the single unit within the Air Wing that exhibits exceptional maintenance performance throughout the year. On the horizon, HSM-72 looks forward to the many challenges presented in a dynamic operational environment as they continue to demonstrate the ability and flexibility to support and execute Commander’s intent while fostering NATO partnerships.

AWR2 Hunter Gajda visually clears an MH-60R assigned to the Proud Warriors for landing on the flight deck of USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75). HSM-72 is currently deployed with Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG-8) in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.