Sun, May 03, 2009
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC)
28, the "Dragon Whales", Naples Detachment continually serves 6th
fleet as the only U.S. Navy helicopter detachment in Europe. "It's
really rewarding because not only do I love to fly but I also get
the chance to really make a difference in the average life of
Sailors both by bringing them their mail through vertical
replenishments or by rescuing someone at sea," said Lt. Stephanie
Erwin, pilot for HSC-28 Naples Det. HSC-28 Naples Det.,
forward-deployed to Naval Support Activity (NSA), Naples
Capodichino base.
The main mission of HSC-28 is to provide service and logistical
support for 6th Fleet and its tenant commands. In addition to
providing support in the Naples region, HSC-28 deploys with USS
Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20).
"We deploy with the Mount Whitney as a search and rescue
platform when it is underway," said Lt. Cmdr. Paula Langille,
officer in charge of HSC-28 Naples Det. The helicopter detachment
flies multiple times a week to keep their skills sharp and
qualifications up to date for both pilots and crew members.
"We usually fly about three times a week for hours at a time all
for training," said Aviation Warfare System Operator 1st Class
Marcus Monreal. The detachment has only one MH-60 Sierra Knight
Hawk which poses some challenges for the crew.
"Helicopters have a lot of moving parts, so there are many
things that tend to break down," said Langille. "This means it
takes everyone working at 100 percent all the time to make sure the
aircraft is ready to fly, and we accomplish any mission."
The air crew and maintainers will spend three to six months
deployed in Naples while the pilots spend closer to seven months
before rotating back to Norfolk. [ANN Salutes Mass Communication
Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kristopher Regan]
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