Crew members of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 (HS-7), disembarked USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), after completion of a seven month deployment aboard the carrier, June 1.
"This was an awesome deployment, my fifth deployment," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Bartlett of HS-7. "We rescued 10 people from drowning off a wrecked commercial ship in the Arabian Gulf, and also rescued three pilots involved in aircraft mishaps."
The Arabian Gulf is a body of water more commonly known as the Persian Gulf.
The squadron was deployed with the carrier in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While in the Persian Gulf, they were engaged as part of the multi-national force providing support to militaries in Iraq and throughout the Persian Gulf.
"This is my final deployment after 27 years and doing the final ride with the Truman was great, it was a complete team effort," said Command Senior Chief John J. Killen III, Fighter Attack Squadron 11. "The crew went out and did a great job providing protection and security to the region, and we brought everyone back home safe, that was the goal."
HS-7 also engaged in Maritime Security Operations throughout the Gulf and just off the coast of Iraq to help ensure economic stability for the country. Maritime security training was conducted with strategic partners in the Gulf including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The "Dusty Dogs" conducted over 900 completed flights surpassing 2,500 hours of flight time, conducting 5 medical evacuations, 13 rescues and logistic support to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
