Santa Claus joins members of HSL-42 Detachment Eight, aboard USS Hawes (FFG-53), over the holiday season. The detachment is currently deployed in the Mediterranean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the USS Harry S Truman battlegroup. The detachment has been training for the deployment since July. -Photo courtesy of HSL-42

HSL-42 Detachment Joins Harry S Truman Battlegroup

By Lt.j.g. Jeff Schell
HSL-42 Detachment 8

HSL-42 Detachment Eight, a single plane LAMPS MK-III detachment, departed for long-cruise aboard the frigate USS Hawes (FFG-53) to the Mediterranean Sea with the Harry S Truman Battle Group (HSTBG).

Detachment Eight, also known as Crazy Eights, and Hawes are scheduled to join allies in the Mediterranean as part of Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean.

The detachment has been preparing for the deployment since late July. In four days, the Detachment Eight/Hawes team completed a very successful week one work-up (WOWU). The trip was highlighted by a Hawes port visit in Mayport, unusual for a Norfolk ship.

Following WOWU, the Crazy Eights deployed for the battlegroup's composite training unit exercise. The detachment spent a month underway chasing the simulated enemy out of the Puerto Rico operations area.

Following a brief visit at home, the detachment again got underway to participate in a joint task force exercise. For two weeks, the Hawes/air detachment team practiced lending military support to a simulated country that had been invaded. This underway period highlighted the varied and demanding duties of HSL detachments.

Upon return to Mayport, the Crazy Eights had accumulated more than 245 hours of flight time and conducted seven successful launches of exercise torpedoes and hellfire missiles. The enormous amount of flight time amassed would not have been possible if not for the leadership and expertise provided by AMC Joseph Pace. The hard work and perseverance displayed by the entire maintenance division enabled the detachment to support the battlegroup whenever called upon.

The Crazy Eights spent the end of November packing, and then enjoyed Thanksgiving leave with family and friends.

With thoughts of turkey and cranberry sauce still in their heads, Detachment Eight said ''Bon Voyage'' and headed to Norfolk to embark USS Hawes. Detachment Eight is led by Lt. Cmdr. Todd Lewis. The Harry S Truman Battle Group, composed of several surface ships and submarines, has deployed in protection of the interests of the United States around the globe and continues the fight against terrorism in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.