Anti-Sub Squadron On Front Lines Of Counter-Drug Ops

The "Jaguars" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 60, Det. 1, of Mayport (FL) returned July 19 from their first extended deployment since the squadron’s inception three years ago. The Jaguars and their accompanying cruiser USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) set new records for both drug confiscation and prisoner apprehension during a single deployment.

The deployment paired the Jaguars’ first extended underway with Ticonderoga’s last.

"We’re thrilled with the way the deployment went. Our hard work certainly paid off," said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Gootee, Det. 1’s officer in charge. "We are the US Navy’s only Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MK III Seahawk helo Reserve squadron, and we’ve set the bar incredibly high for future counter-drug deployments."

In only six months, the Jaguar-Ticonderoga team enacted 15 stops of suspected and illegal smugglers, which yielded more than 10 tons of uncut cocaine and heroin, and the apprehension of 29 narco-terrorists. The US Drug Enforcement Administration estimated the street value of the seized drugs at more than $1 billion.

The mere presence of the Jaguar-Ticonderoga team interrupted countless proposed smuggling operations carrying drugs and fuel, while helping to secure US borders. As a result, the team’s attentive vigilance contributed to the safety and well being of America’s citizens.

Although the Navy has been sending counter-drug deployments to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific for years, this was the first time a Navy Reserve LAMPS MK III squadron stood at the helm of the air department — those men and women responsible for the initial detection, identification and prosecution of narcotics smugglers.

"Achieving full integration between Reserve and active duty forces is a priority in our theater of operations," said Rear Adm. Vinson E. Smith, commander, US Naval Forces Southern Command. "HSL-60’s great performance will serve as a model for future deployments."

During their deployment, the Jaguars flew more than 400 hours in support of Ticonderoga and Joint Interagency Task Force South.

"Throughout the cruise, we all worked tirelessly to maintain high mission completion and fully mission capable rates," said HSL-60 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jamie Pierce. "In the end, our efforts paid off in record-setting numbers and recognition to match. We are proof positive the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) mandate for Active Reserve Integration (ARI) is alive and well. Everyone in the Jaguar-Ticonderoga team has made me extremely proud to be a member of the Reserve Navy. This is an example of what serving one’s country is all about."

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cusns