HSL-46 Soars In 2009

These awards are attributed to the Grandmasters consistent dedication to excellence and the HSL mission worldwide. The Operations and Maintenance Departments of HSL-46 are especially credited with the hard work that it took to be nominated for these highly prestigious awards. Pilots, aircrew, and maintainers alike can share the gratitude of knowing their hard work was well worth the effort.

The Maintenance Department's excellence resulted in the squadron being able to effectively send five detachments of SH-60Bs to ships supporting operations in the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. In the process of executing its mission, the squadron flew more than 5,150 hours mishap-free and conducted more than 5,600 shipboard landings.

Detachments Two, Four, and Nine deployed in early February for tasking in the Arabian Gulf and the waters off the Horn of Africa as part of Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG8). Detachment Two, the Chupacabras, flew in support of anti-piracy operations off the Coast of Somalia aboard the USS Halyburton (FFG40). The detachment flew nearly everyday deterring pirates and participated in the mission to free hostage Richard Phillips, Master of the Maersk Alabama, in April. The Varsity of Detachment Four deployed Aboard the USS Vicksburg (CG69) as the USS Eisenhower (CVN69) "shotgun" cruiser. Everyday the Varsity flew in direct support of the carrier and provided air defense for the strike group. Detachment Nine, The Wrecking Crew, deployed aboard the USS Gettysburg (CG64) also in support of anti-piracy operations where they captured 52 Somali Pirates and provided safe transit of international shipping lanes.

Also in April, Detachment Five, the Spider Pigs, made a risky but rewarding rescue at night in treacherous seas. While traversing the Atlantic enroute to England for participation in a Joint Warrior exercise, the detachment rescued a woman on a cruise ship who was suffering from severe abdominal pain. She was successfully airlifted by the Spider Pigs to a nearby hospital. The detachment is currently winding down after a successful deployment to the Horn of Africa in support anti-piracy operations.

For the second consecutive year, the Grandmasters were awarded the HSMWINGLANT Talon Award for tactical excellence. This award is given to one squadron a year for outstanding tactical performance in both training and operational settings across the globe.