By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 1 returned to Guam Oct. 29 after completing a successful nine-month deployment in support of 7th Fleet replenishment operations in the Western Pacific area of responsibility.
The Sailors flew in on three helicopters and arrived at their home base on Andersen Air Force Base. They were greeted by friends and family, and a brief reception was held during which HSC 25 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pat Everly expressed his pride in the work Det. 1 accomplished.
"You guys have been out their keeping carrier strike groups in the area well supplied for the last nine months," Everly said. "You provided a lot of invaluable support for the 7th Fleet, but now your mission is complete, and it's good to have you back in time for the holidays."
HSC 25 is the Navy's only forward deployed vertical replenishment squadron providing deployed ships a rapid, safe and versatile means of resupplying diminishing stores.
"Supporting the Navy's mission as we've been doing has been a great honor," said Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Strickler, Det. 1 officer in charge. "Watching our guys work and seeing mission completion day-by-day on this deployment is probably one of the greatest experiences of my Navy career."
Even as they celebrated the mission's success, Sailors said after a long deployment, it is great to be home.
"I'm excited to be back, and I'm looking forward to finally doing some diving," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3rd Class (AW/SW) Christopher Smith.