Stupid questions about Naval Aviation (Pt 2)

[Brett327]

fire a hellfire up Hadji's ass. (ya ya.... I know)

Don't hold your breath on that one. Reality check: You're gonna be delivering palets of pre-wilted lettuce and stale bread.

Brett

 

[BACONATOR]

Don't hold your breath on that one. Reality check: You're gonna be delivering palets of pre-wilted lettuce and stale bread.

Brett

Apparently you and kbay missed the parenthetical statement tacked on to the end of that motard claim of mine.

Howewver, to play devil's advocate, I believe HSC-25 was THE, if not one of the first to employ the armed helo package on the MH-60S and has been doing a lot of NSW stuff. Perhaps I'm making shit up trying to motivate myself here, but it seems like if anyone is likely to shoot something off of one of those spinny things Navy side, it's gonna be an exp. HSC det.

EDIT: And from what I've been told, VERTREP has been largely outsourced to civilian contractors.

 

[HeyJoe]

from what I've been told, VERTREP has been largely outsourced to civilian contractors.

Yes, there has been considerable outsouring of mission dedicated VERTREP assets aboard the ships that deliver not-so-fresh fruits and vegetables to Navy ships...

081108-N-4005H-105 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2008) An AS 332 Super Puma takes off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Ronald Reagan performed the VERTREP with the dry cargo/ammunition Ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) and the Fast Combat Support Ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility operating in the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Holt/Released)

But, it doesn't make you immune to being called upon when they are not around

070809-N-5384B-282 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - Sailors assigned to Supply Department's S-6 Division prepare to attach a supply pennant to helicopter assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 2 during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Tailored Ship?s Training Availability (TSTA). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Blake (RELEASED)

or disaster strikes and available helos are called in to help move relief supplies

080629-N-5961C-011 KALIBO, Philippines (June 29, 2008) A HH-60H helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 delivers another pallet of bottled water from the deck of USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) for delivery to the northern tip of Panay Island. Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) were flown out to assist in the vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and are working together with their Philippine counterparts to get water to the people affected by Typhoon Fengshen. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and elements of her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (Released)

 

[Gatordev]

Apparently you and kbay missed the parenthetical statement tacked on to the end of that motard claim of mine.

Howewver, to play devil's advocate, I believe HSC-25 was THE, if not one of the first to employ the armed helo package on the MH-60S and has been doing a lot of NSW stuff. Perhaps I'm making shit up trying to motivate myself here, but it seems like if anyone is likely to shoot something off of one of those spinny things Navy side, it's gonna be an exp. HSC det.

EDIT: And from what I've been told, VERTREP has been largely outsourced to civilian contractors.

Hmm, this sounds exactly like a LAMPS statement. How's that worked out for them....?

"Everybody" does NSW of some sort or another. "Everyone" is "ready" to shoot Hellfires, but no one lets the regular Navy play (and to be honest, I'm not sure if the HCS guys have shot HF in anger...hscs?).

 

[KBayDog]

Apparently you and kbay missed the parenthetical statement tacked on to the end of that motard claim of mine.

No, didn't miss it. Just keeping it "real."

EDIT: And from what I've been told, VERTREP has been largely outsourced to civilian contractors.

And Marine Phrogs when we pack so much ammo onto the Gators that HSC can't hang.

 

[Brett327]

And from what I've been told, VERTREP has been largely outsourced to civilian contractors.

Not based on what I saw IVO the gulf. WESTPAC may be different. What Dev said. Cool your trigger pulling jets there, little one.

Brett

 

[HeyJoe]

More VERTREP action around the fleet

090218-N-2636M-146 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 18, 2009) Marines assigned to the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) latch a net sling to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during a vertical replenishment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is counducting composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) off the Virginia coast. COMPTUEX is the second of three at-sea training evolutions designed to prepare the strike group for a scheduled deployment later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kleynia R. McKnight/Release)

090405-N-6814F-102 GULF OF ADEN (April 5, 2009) The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) receives a vertical replenishment from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) in the Gulf of Aden. Boxer is deployed as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian K. Fromal/Released)

090214-N-6764G-058 PERSIAN GULF (Feb. 14, 2009) Sailors move pallets of supplies delivered by an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 during a vertical replenishment aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

090314-N-9917S-007 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 14, 2009) The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) conduct a vertical replenishment with an SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 5 in the Mediterranean Sea. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Marc D. Schron/Released)

090226-N-1794M-173 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 26, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Squadron (HSC) 23 returns to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) to pick up more cargo to be transferred to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a vertical replenishment. Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Steven Maksinchuk/Released)

090324-N-9928E-130 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 24, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 brings supplies to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a vertical replenishment. John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are on a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue L. Escobosa/Released)

090217-N-3392P-032 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 17, 2009) The Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) conducts a vertical replenishment with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Supply is supporting ships deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker/Released)

090326-N-9988F-004 ARABIAN SEA (March 26, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Cassandra Carpenter signals a pilot from the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 to hover during a vertical replenishment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of foward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

 

[eddie]

but no one lets the regular Navy play

Does that stand a chance to change?

 

[insanebikerboy]

Howewver, to play devil's advocate, I believe HSC-25 was THE, if not one of the first to employ the armed helo package on the MH-60S and has been doing a lot of NSW stuff. Perhaps I'm making shit up trying to motivate myself here, but it seems like if anyone is likely to shoot something off of one of those spinny things Navy side, it's gonna be an exp. HSC det.

Hate to burst your bubble but both HS and HSL have had the means and ability to shoot hellfires loooooong before the "armed helo", and as of yet I don't think there's been a recorded combat shot from a Navy helo.

And if you're thinking nsw support, the only squadron that has done that is HCS-84, and the odds of you going there are small, and they fly Hotels, not Sierras.

 

[HeyJoe]

NSW Support

And if you're thinking nsw support, the only squadron that has done that is HCS-84, and the odds of you going there are small, and they fly Hotels, not Sierras.

Maybe you missed this announcement:

HS-15 To Support Special Warfare In Iraq
Story Number: NNS090316-09
Release Date: 3/16/2009 4:17:00 PM


By Clark Pierce, Jax Air News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 15 addressed the unconventional, land-based deployment of HS-15 in support of joint special operations units in Iraq.

The six-month mission involves 70 aircrew and maintainers who will operate four HH-60H Seahawk helicopters from a combined special forces base in the vicinity of Baghdad.

"Regardless of our assigned mission, the Red Lions are trained to provide the right aircraft, in the right configuration, with the right crews – at right-on readiness," said HS-15 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Chris Misner in an interview Feb. 25 at his hangar office at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

"In 2008, our squadron leaders saw potential to deploy outside of the traditional FRTP (Fleet Readiness Training Plan) deployment cycle and utilize our assets to support NSW (Navy Special Warfare) in an innovative manner," said Misner. "We consulted with our brethren, the 'Red Wolves' of HSC-84 at NS (Naval Station) Norfolk, Va. They are a Naval Reserve Helicopter Sea Combat squadron and the only one dedicated to NSW support. As a result, we mapped out our training plan that involved exercises with a number of Navy SEAL teams based on both the East and West coasts."

Misner explained that no new mission skillsets were required.

"Our aircrews are well-versed in the HH-60H's primary mission of combat search and rescue, NSW support, anti-surface warfare, medical evacuation and logistics support. For this deployment, we naturally concentrated our training on NSW support, which includes clandestine missions against high-value targets utilizing night-vision devices. In fact, our people will rarely see the light of day. Every mission will take place under the cover of darkness."

Last fall, the Red Lions conducted insert-and-extract operations in Virginia with SEAL Team 10. At Fort Knox, Ky., they conducted intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance and call-for-fire missions with SEAL Team 2.

In 2009, the squadron flew four Seahawks across the country to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. for counterinsurgency training missions in the Mojave Desert. The detachment also supported SEAL Team 7 in its pre-deployment certification exercise. From Fort Irwin, the detachment flew to Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., to support SEAL Team 1 in low-light missions. Red Lion pilots also experienced desert brownout conditions similar to those they'll encounter in the deserts of Iraq.

One new requirement for maintainers was small-arms weaponry school and certification at the Florida National Guard's Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla.

Two C-5 Galaxy transports - the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory - will fly the Red Lions' helicopters, equipment, parts and personnel from NAS Jax to Iraq. HS-15 Executive Officer Cmdr. Larry Getz is officer in charge of the detachment.

In Iraq, the Red Lions will report to Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component Commander. They will share the flight line with four HH-60Hs of HSC-84, as well as Army units flying the UH-60 Blackhawk.

 

[wlawr005]

HSC-84 will eventually give up its 60H for the 60S (Block III) and there are rumors that it will go active and become a full time NSW squadron. If that happens THEY SAY that expeditionary 60S squadrons (HSC 22, 26, 28 etc..) will do the vegetable slinging and if you wanna shoot at Hadji, you gotta go to -84...

 

[Gatordev]

And if you're thinking nsw support, the only squadron that has done that is HCS-84, and the odds of you going there are small, and they fly Hotels, not Sierras.

A few nits... It's HSC-84 (formally HCS-4). There was also HCS-5, but they're gone.

HSC-84 will eventually give up its 60H for the 60S (Block III) and there are rumors that it will go active and become a full time NSW squadron. If that happens THEY SAY that expeditionary 60S squadrons (HSC 22, 26, 28 etc..) will do the vegetable slinging and if you wanna shoot at Hadji, you gotta go to -84...

There's also rumors that -85 will pick up the mission again. There's othe rrumors that the RESFOR "realized" that "we need two dedicated NSW squadrons..." Uh, yeah, we had that. Lots of rumors, we'll see what happens.

 

[wlawr005]

A few nits... It's HSC-84 (formally HCS-4). There was also HCS-5, but they're gone.



There's also rumors that -85 will pick up the mission again. There's othe rrumors that the RESFOR "realized" that "we need two dedicated NSW squadrons..." Uh, yeah, we had that. Lots of rumors, we'll see what happens.

yep...it's difficult to keep a DET qualified to operate at the boat while at the same time teaching them how to be Level III SWTP guys (especially since it a deployment requirement). It's not so hard for the HS guys because they operate as an entire squadron...I think that there will have to be a dedicated NSW support squadron, but it will be interesting to see where the responsibilities fall at the end of the shakedown

 

[HH-60H]

Hate to burst your bubble but both HS and HSL have had the means and ability to shoot hellfires loooooong before the "armed helo", and as of yet I don't think there's been a recorded combat shot from a Navy helo.

What? I didn't know that. What are you talking about?

And if you're thinking nsw support, the only squadron that has done that is HCS-84, and the odds of you going there are small, and they fly Hotels, not Sierras.

HS and HSL having been doing [for realz] over water NSW support for at least as long as they have had Hellfires. I figure you know that, just throwing it out for the kids.

 

[HeyJoe]

HS and HSL having been doing [for realz] over water NSW support for at least as long as they have had Hellfires. I figure you know that, just throwing it out for the kids.

Case in point....

011215-N-8421M-010 Aboard USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Dec. 15, 2001 – During an interdiction operations exercise, two HH-60H “Seahawk” helicopters from the “Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron One One (HS-11) lift off from the flight deck of USS Shreveport. The helicopters, carrying U.S. Navy SEALs, are simulating the boarding of a ship that may be carrying terrorist suspects. The Dragon Slayers and SEALs are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class David C. Mercil. (RELEASED)