I can't tell if that's tongue in cheek or not but all I was getting at was that HS and HSL has been carrying HF's and have been NSW capable for a lot longer than was implied by Bogey with the armed helo.
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Stupid questions about Naval Aviation (Pt 2)
- Thread starter mo7stanley
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I can't tell if that's tongue in cheek or not but all I was getting at was that HS and HSL has been carrying HF's and have been NSW capable for a lot longer than was implied by Bogey with the armed helo.
NSW and Navy helo support
011206-N-6550T-006 The Arabian Sea (Dec. 6, 2001) -- A SH-60F “Seahawk” helicopter leaves the deck of the Motor Vessel “Kota Sejarah” off after dropping off U.S. Navy SEALs and Marines during a search for illegal contraband and al-Qaida troops. The Special Warfare (SPECWAR) personnel are deployed aboard the amphibious warfare ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship was released following the inspection. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Tim Turner. (RELEASED)
021029-N-3235P-506 At sea aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) Oct. 29, 2002 -- U.S. Navy Seals assigned to Little Creek, Va., fastrope onto the fantail of the guided missile destroyer. Austin is underway with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Battle Group participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass. (RELEASED)
041020-N-8493H-002 Fort Knox, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2004) - An MH-60S Knighthawk assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), flies over Fort Knox, Ky. HC-6 and U.S. Navy SEALs, are conducting urban assault and combat search and rescue training at Fort Knox, Ky. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Steven Harbour (RELEASED)
080722-N-3038W-004 SAN DIEGO (July 22, 2008) Rotors blow dust into the air as Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 perform terrain flight (TERF) training. TERF Flights are typically flown below 500 feet and are used for the insertion of SEALS or to recover "downed" pilots behind enemy lines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Wagner/Released)
011206-N-6550T-006 The Arabian Sea (Dec. 6, 2001) -- A SH-60F “Seahawk” helicopter leaves the deck of the Motor Vessel “Kota Sejarah” off after dropping off U.S. Navy SEALs and Marines during a search for illegal contraband and al-Qaida troops. The Special Warfare (SPECWAR) personnel are deployed aboard the amphibious warfare ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship was released following the inspection. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Tim Turner. (RELEASED)
021029-N-3235P-506 At sea aboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) Oct. 29, 2002 -- U.S. Navy Seals assigned to Little Creek, Va., fastrope onto the fantail of the guided missile destroyer. Austin is underway with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Battle Group participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass. (RELEASED)
041020-N-8493H-002 Fort Knox, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2004) - An MH-60S Knighthawk assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), flies over Fort Knox, Ky. HC-6 and U.S. Navy SEALs, are conducting urban assault and combat search and rescue training at Fort Knox, Ky. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Steven Harbour (RELEASED)
080722-N-3038W-004 SAN DIEGO (July 22, 2008) Rotors blow dust into the air as Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 perform terrain flight (TERF) training. TERF Flights are typically flown below 500 feet and are used for the insertion of SEALS or to recover "downed" pilots behind enemy lines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Wagner/Released)
<- I was hoping you would notice my avatar picture.
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)
011206-N-6550T-006 The Arabian Sea (Dec. 6, 2001) -- A SH-60F ?Seahawk? helicopter leaves the deck of the Motor Vessel ?Kota Sejarah? off after dropping off U.S. Navy SEALs and Marines during a search for illegal contraband and al-Qaida troops. The Special Warfare (SPECWAR) personnel are deployed aboard the amphibious warfare ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship was released following the inspection. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 1st Class Tim Turner. (RELEASED)
Not coincidentally, I was there.
Navy Helos and support to Special Operations
060620-N-6074Y-119 Guam (June 20, 2006) - Navy Special Warfare (NSW) Sailors fast rope onto a rooftop from an HH-60H helicopter assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two (HS-2), during simulated Strike Warfare missions over the island of Guam. HS-2, part of Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class M. Jeremie Yoder (RELEASED)
050718-N-2651J-004 Coast of Albania (July 18, 2005) - Albanian Special Forces fast rope from a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Two Six (HSC-26), Detachment Two. The drill is one of many types of training being conducted as part of Exercise Adriatic Engagement 2005. The exercise is focused on developing the individual and collective combat proficiencies of participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understand and cooperation with NATO and regional allies. Nearly 1,500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel are participating in this year's exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Gary L. Johnson III (RELEASED)
040721-N-4308O-188 Atlantic Ocean (July 21, 2004) – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) Detachment 10 performs a fast rope exercise on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman recently completed Majestic Eagle 04, a multinational exercise conducted off the coast of Morocco. The exercise demonstrates the combined force capabilities and quick response times of the participating naval, air, undersea and surface warfare groups. Countries involved in the U.S.-led exercise include the United Kingdom, Morocco, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Ryan T. O'Connor (RELEASED)
090319-N-3610L-440 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 19, 2009) A member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 11, Platoon 0-2, rapels from an HH-60H Sea Hawk hleicopter assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 during a fast-rope exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is conducting sustainment exercises in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released)
081023-N-1038M-046 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2008) A Sailor from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Five, Platoon 501, fast ropes from an HH-60H Sea Hawk assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 to the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a training scenario. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is conducting training operations in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony R. Martinez/Released)
071103-N-2429D-267 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 3, 2007) - A member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Det. 15, is suspended above the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during a search and seizure exercise. Members of the visit, board, search and seizure team fast-roped from an HH-60H Seahawk onto the ship's flight deck during the evolution. Fitzgerald, part of Destroyer Squadron 15, is underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio (RELEASED)
070606-N-2659P-284 PERSIAN GULF (June 6, 2007) – Navy Diver 1st Class Geno Jahrling rappels from an HH-60H Seahawk, attached to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, over amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a fast rope rappelling exercise. The fast-rope exercise was conducted to keep qualifications current for both explosive ordnance disposal personnel and Navy divers. Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is participating in Expeditionary Strike Force Exercises consisting of three Strike Groups; John C. Stennis Strike Group, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (RELEASED)
070516-N-2294H-001 FORT STORY, Va. (May 16, 2007) - Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units 2, 4, 6, and 8, as well as Naval Coastal Warfare’s Maritime Interdiction Teams take part in a helicopter rope suspension training/cast master certification course. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) fast-rope exercises are a part of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit Two’s (EODTEU 2) training curriculum. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Elizabeth Holm (RELEASED)
060620-N-6074Y-119 Guam (June 20, 2006) - Navy Special Warfare (NSW) Sailors fast rope onto a rooftop from an HH-60H helicopter assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two (HS-2), during simulated Strike Warfare missions over the island of Guam. HS-2, part of Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class M. Jeremie Yoder (RELEASED)
050718-N-2651J-004 Coast of Albania (July 18, 2005) - Albanian Special Forces fast rope from a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Two Six (HSC-26), Detachment Two. The drill is one of many types of training being conducted as part of Exercise Adriatic Engagement 2005. The exercise is focused on developing the individual and collective combat proficiencies of participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understand and cooperation with NATO and regional allies. Nearly 1,500 Navy and Marine Corps personnel are participating in this year's exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Gary L. Johnson III (RELEASED)
040721-N-4308O-188 Atlantic Ocean (July 21, 2004) – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) Detachment 10 performs a fast rope exercise on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman recently completed Majestic Eagle 04, a multinational exercise conducted off the coast of Morocco. The exercise demonstrates the combined force capabilities and quick response times of the participating naval, air, undersea and surface warfare groups. Countries involved in the U.S.-led exercise include the United Kingdom, Morocco, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Ryan T. O'Connor (RELEASED)
090319-N-3610L-440 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 19, 2009) A member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 11, Platoon 0-2, rapels from an HH-60H Sea Hawk hleicopter assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 during a fast-rope exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is conducting sustainment exercises in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released)
081023-N-1038M-046 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2008) A Sailor from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment Five, Platoon 501, fast ropes from an HH-60H Sea Hawk assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 to the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a training scenario. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is conducting training operations in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony R. Martinez/Released)
071103-N-2429D-267 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 3, 2007) - A member of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Det. 15, is suspended above the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during a search and seizure exercise. Members of the visit, board, search and seizure team fast-roped from an HH-60H Seahawk onto the ship's flight deck during the evolution. Fitzgerald, part of Destroyer Squadron 15, is underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio (RELEASED)
070606-N-2659P-284 PERSIAN GULF (June 6, 2007) – Navy Diver 1st Class Geno Jahrling rappels from an HH-60H Seahawk, attached to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, over amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a fast rope rappelling exercise. The fast-rope exercise was conducted to keep qualifications current for both explosive ordnance disposal personnel and Navy divers. Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is participating in Expeditionary Strike Force Exercises consisting of three Strike Groups; John C. Stennis Strike Group, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (RELEASED)
070516-N-2294H-001 FORT STORY, Va. (May 16, 2007) - Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units 2, 4, 6, and 8, as well as Naval Coastal Warfare’s Maritime Interdiction Teams take part in a helicopter rope suspension training/cast master certification course. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) fast-rope exercises are a part of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit Two’s (EODTEU 2) training curriculum. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Elizabeth Holm (RELEASED)
One of the above pictures made mention of the VBSS team in its caption. I'm not sure whether this is aviation related, but how does one get assigned to the VBSS team on board his respective ship? Do they hold try-outs, is there a special course one must attend, or is it more of a first come, first serve kind of deal?
It's not aviation-related. If you as an aviator find yourself assigned to a boarding team, something has gone horribly, horribly wrong.
But for the Shoes, VBSS duties are assigned by the Captain; how he decides it is usually up to him and the Boarding Officer (colat duty, often the WepsO/GunnO, but not necessarily). Usually they're looking for in-shape and intimidating SOB's.
VBSS is one of those things that sounds really cool on paper. Get rigged out in your Batman gear, go stare down haji terrorist-smugglers and pirates on the high seas...it's like being a part-time SEAL crossed with the end of Master and Commander, right? Then you do it and find that 99% of the time, you're climbing around stinking, rust-covered unseaworthy third-world shit hulks staring down a crew of bored Arabs and Filipinos who're pretending not to speak English so you'll go away. So you spend hours and hours inspecting these floating turds, lose half your body weight in sweat, and at the end of the day, you turn them loose, get back to the ship to find they've secured fresh water (so no shower), the galley's closed and by the way, you've got the midwatch in a few hours and your boss wants those E-3 evals NOW.
Fester, seriously, tell us how you REALLY feel about VBSS..
As a co-lat, it beats Officer in Charge of Laundry and Morale, but it ain't the Sexy Navy Stormtrooper job it's made out to be.
Oh, and aa75, you asked about schools. Yes, there is a boarding school you're supposed to go to before you're on a VBSS team. The school is fun. It's like playing Under Siege, less the Playmate.
Then you realize it was still better than 90% of the days being a shoe.
*sigh* I wish that were so. I will admit it's a nice change getting off the ship and actually doing something...then I realized that's what being an aviator is, full-time.
It has its moments, and if you're in Shoegatory, you may as well go get your hands dirty. But mostly, on a busy cruise, VBSS, Boarding and Contraband, Rescue/Assistance, all that jazz is like having a second full time job.
My lasting memory of doing all this stuff was coming back aboard after a 14-hour boarding in the tropical sun. Worn out as fuck, but feeling good because we made a bust. Then one of my fellow Ensigns comes in and makes a bitchy remark about how he had to take my watch because I was out on the RHIB and I now "owe him," and the Chop tells me to keep my guys off the mess decks ("But they need something to eat." "They should have come by during meal hours." "Suppo, they were on the boarding during meal hours. With me." "Then it's your problem, First, not mine.").
SWOdom sucks. Believe it.
That story really pisses me off. Not because it's an outrageous story of injustice, but because it's true.
MasterBates
Well-Known Member
Yep.. Nothing like flying all day and not being able to eat. SWOs though we went to the Fly-Thru or some such shit.
Speaking of midrats, asshole boat gnomes and the chips on their shoulders re: aviators...
One of the more amusing moments during cruise was when the Wardroom Officer (O-2 Chop type) sent a mass-mail to the Air Wing announcing that since Midrats wasn't a "real" meal, he was securing all the grills and it'd just be cold cuts and cereal. Understand that this was during OIF flight ops, the last go launched at 2200 and recovered at around 0330 (at least; most guys were up longer), you're fucking HUNGRY after flying all night and no goddamned bowl of stale Frosted Flakes is gonna cut it.
So one of the guys on CAG staff writes back and tells him, hey asshole - Rats is most definitely a "real meal" for the Air Wing, WTF? Turned out it was the idea of the Head Chop (O-5 type), who hadn't bothered to run it past anyone first. And then she had the stones to get in a pissing contest with the CAG staff..."If you aviators weren't too lazy to get up for breakfast," etc. Every O-5 and above brownshoe in the Air Wing and ship's company rolled in hot on that one. Needless to say, she lost that fight in a big way.
While amusing, that whole episode just blew my mind. Okay, the j.g. is new to this gig, and we all frabbed up in an epic way at least once when we were pups, but how the bloody hell does a Commander spend ANY time around a carrier and not know that we do most of our flying at night and it's not a 9-to-5 gig?
On top of that, her mess cranks made a habit of stealing all the "good" cereal (Coco Krispies, Frosted Mini Wheats) out of the wardrooms when they did break-outs. A squadron O-4 was up early one morning, for unfathomable Hinge reasons, and caught a conga line of mess cranks carrying armloads of cereal back to their berthing.
One of the more amusing moments during cruise was when the Wardroom Officer (O-2 Chop type) sent a mass-mail to the Air Wing announcing that since Midrats wasn't a "real" meal, he was securing all the grills and it'd just be cold cuts and cereal. Understand that this was during OIF flight ops, the last go launched at 2200 and recovered at around 0330 (at least; most guys were up longer), you're fucking HUNGRY after flying all night and no goddamned bowl of stale Frosted Flakes is gonna cut it.
So one of the guys on CAG staff writes back and tells him, hey asshole - Rats is most definitely a "real meal" for the Air Wing, WTF? Turned out it was the idea of the Head Chop (O-5 type), who hadn't bothered to run it past anyone first. And then she had the stones to get in a pissing contest with the CAG staff..."If you aviators weren't too lazy to get up for breakfast," etc. Every O-5 and above brownshoe in the Air Wing and ship's company rolled in hot on that one. Needless to say, she lost that fight in a big way.
While amusing, that whole episode just blew my mind. Okay, the j.g. is new to this gig, and we all frabbed up in an epic way at least once when we were pups, but how the bloody hell does a Commander spend ANY time around a carrier and not know that we do most of our flying at night and it's not a 9-to-5 gig?
On top of that, her mess cranks made a habit of stealing all the "good" cereal (Coco Krispies, Frosted Mini Wheats) out of the wardrooms when they did break-outs. A squadron O-4 was up early one morning, for unfathomable Hinge reasons, and caught a conga line of mess cranks carrying armloads of cereal back to their berthing.
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