HSC-25 Detachments 1 and 6 Return from Deployment

By Senior Airman Marianique Santos, 36th Wing Public Affairs

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Det.1 and Det. 6 returned to Guam Dec. 9 after completing a seven-month and nine-month deployment, respectively.

Det. 1 completed its deployment on board USNS Amelia Earheart (T-AKE-6) and USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10), where they supported the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, Command Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron 15. Det. 1 moved a total of 6.4 million pounds of cargo and 121 passengers during fiscal year 2013.

"Detachment 1 came home with the most qualifications I have ever seen in my career," said Cmdr. Gregory Leland, HSC-25 commanding officer. "These detachments were some of the most successful detachments I have ever seen."

Both detachments supported operations throughout the Pacific. Along with supporting Australian naval vessels during combined Exercise Talisman Saber 2013, the detachments supported Operation Damayan a U.S. humanitarian aid and disaster relief effort to support the Philippines in the wake of the devastating effects of Supertyphoon Haiyan.

"While on Charles Drew, we helped out in Tacloban by providing food stores, water and fuel," said Lt. James Aguirre, HSC-25 Det. 1 pilot. "We were the first ship on scene, and as soon as we got there, we started moving gallons of water to shore. The following days, we ran water to outlying areas where people had signs on the top of their houses. We ran supplies all over the place and helped as best we could."

During Det. 6's nine-month deployment aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the crew supported 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific Area of Responsibility. The Sailors flew more than 1,300 hours, moved 2.5 million pounds of cargo and transferred 959 passengers. In addition, they also conducted six medical evacuations and four searches resulting in one rescue.

"We had a lot of challenges, one of them being away from the family," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) Thomas Ridgway. "We got bounced all over the place and had the opportunity to do a lot of great things, but it's amazing to be back with my family, so I'm looking forward to spending time with them."

With the return of Det. 6, the next rotation of aircrews deployed Dec. 2 to continue the mission of providing logistical support, search-and-rescue capabilities and humanitarian assistance in the Pacific.

"I want to thank the detachment that we sent off to relieve the team from the Bonhomme Richard," Leland said. "I also want to thank the spouse groups, the family readiness folks and ombudsmen who help us keep the balance in the families back home while the detachments are fighting a good fight. We look forward to continuing the successful trend in the near future."

HSC-25 Detachment 6 Returns From Deployment

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6 returned home from a six-month deployment Dec. 15.

Detachment 6, also known as the Island Knights, embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) twice during its deployment totaling more than 100 days at sea. While on Essex, the crew flew more than 560 hours as the ship's primary search and rescue platform and flew seven medical evacuation flights saving seven lives.

HSC-25 Commanding Officer Cmdr. John Compton commended the detachment's efforts and welcomed them home just in time for the holiday season.

"They did a phenomenal job over the last six months," he said. "They were involved in probably one of the most phenomenal transfers of aircraft in such a short period of time that I've ever witnessed in my whole Navy career. They were doing the Navy's core mission of projection and power. I'm extremely proud of them."

The Island Knights also served as an anti-terrorism force protection asset during the critical phases of President Obama's trip to Indonesia. The maintenance department executed more than 4,000 separate maintenance actions on four different aircraft allowing the detachment to be fully mission-capable 100 percent of the time.

Lt. Cmdr. Mason Allen was one of the officers in charge during the detachment's deployment and praised his team for a job well done.

"Every day Sailors are out there in harm's way, standing the watch. You stood at the watch the last six months and now you're home," Allen said. "So you're relieved for a few days to be with your friends and family."

Sailors of Detachment 6 were excited as they reunited with friends and families.

"Days like this are awesome," said Lt. Richard Hill, HSC-25 pilot. "It's one of the best parts about being in the military, coming home and being with your friends and family. We're glad to be here."

While on its fall patrol, Essex traveled more than 13,000 miles visiting Okinawa, Japan; Subic Bay, Philippines; Bali, Indonesia; and Manila, Philippines, before returning to its homeport in Sasebo, Japan.

Essex participated in two exercises while underway. First was the certification exercise (CERTEX) 2011, in which Marine ground and aviation units practiced tactics and techniques used during an amphibious raid. Second was the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011, which is a biennial exercise between U.S. and Philippine forces. PHIBLEX is specifically designed to strengthen professional and personal bonds between the armed forces of the two allied nations. Upon completion of both exercises, Essex provided support for President Obama's visit to Bali, Indonesia, for the South East Asian Nations Summit.

HSC 25 Welcomes Detachment 6 Back from Deployment

MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from the Island Knights of Helicopter Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conduct a vertical replenishment between the Military Sealift Command dry-cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) and the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean during her inaugural deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 welcomed home Detachment 6 from an eight-month deployment Dec. 9.

Det. 6 was embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Denver (LPD 9).

Det. 6 left the island to support the joint military exercises Balikatan 2009 in the Philippines, Talisman Saber in Australia, Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G in Japan, and humanitarian assistance operations for Taiwan. They flew more than 700 hours to complete 377 sorties and five medical evacuations, while providing search and rescue (SAR) capabilities for the Navy ships' amphibious operations.

"I'm really impressed with their capabilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Phillips, officer in charge of Det. 6. "They're always on top of things, backing up the pilots whenever possible."

According to Phillips, the goal of the joint exercises was to enhance relations between the U.S. and allied forces and improve coordination for future missions. During ANNUALEX 21G, Det. 6 collaborated with their counterparts in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Det. 6 helped move food, water, and medical supplies from sea to shore when Southern Taiwan suffered intense flooding and mudslides that claimed the lives of hundreds in August.

"As part of the group of Det. 6, being there to help those people out is very rewarding," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW) Lawrence Dave.

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. In addition, HSC 25 provides 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation services for Guam and the northern Mariana Islands.

HSC-25 Detachment 1 Returns from Deployment

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Island Nights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 flies near the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) during a vertical replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). HSC-25 is deployed aboard the Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship USNS Alan B. Shepard (T-AKE 3). George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William P. Gatlin/Released)

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 welcomed home Detachment 1 from a 13-month deployment Nov. 24.

Det. 1 was embarked on USNS Shasta (T-AE 33), USNS Flint (T-AE 32) and USNS Alan B. Shepard (T-AKE 3). The 32 Sailors provided vertical replenishment support, moving more than two tons of cargo and transferring passengers.

Cmdr. Ben Reynolds, HSC-25 executive officer, commended the Sailors for successfully completing their mission.

"You did logistics support and humanitarian assistance —so much of what we do in our community you all did in this microcosm of Det. 1 and you did it very well," Reynolds said.

Following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Choi-Wan, Det. 1 embarked aboard Shepard provided humanitarian support to residents of Alamagan and Agrihan Sept. 17. The islands, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), are approximately 146 nautical miles north of Saipan.

Along with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo-ammunition ship, Det. 1 was tasked with transiting to the area to assist the residents who required basic survival needs following the effects of heavy rain and winds in excess of 150 mph brought on by the super typhoon.

"We flew to Agrihan and Alamagan and we provided food supplies to 25 families and assisted a family of six with a 5-day-old baby that we rescued," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Dennison, officer-in-charge of the detachment.

Dennison credited Det. 1's success to the Sailors' level of professionalism and pride in their work.

"I joined the Navy in 1992, and I can easily say this has been the best year in my Navy career because of these folks," Dennison said. "Their dedication, hard work and positive attitude were the cornerstones of this Det. They made it successful and made it fun."

Dennison also thanked HSC-25 spouses for their strength and support.

"We couldn't have done it without you," he said. "I know it was hard for everybody, but because of your support we got through it and finished it safe and with a positive attitude."

HSC 25 is the Navy's only forward deployed vertical replenishment squadron providing deployed ships a rapid, safe and versatile means of re-supplying diminishing stores. In addition, HSC 25 provides 24-hour search and rescue and medical evacuation services for Guam and the Northern Mariana islands.

Helo Det Wraps up Replenishment Ops Deployment in 7th Fleet

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.