'Sea Dawgs' Hit Halfway

"Sea Dawgs" was given the distinct honor of being assigned the first combined SH-60B/MQ-8B "Firescout" AV Detachment.

The Detachment's six pilots and three aircrewmen have amassed 40-plus hours of in theater operational flight time undertaking the mission of Counter-Illicit Trafficking while deployed in South America.

Detachment Seven personnel, backed by the detachment's 19 maintenance professionals, have assumed the responsibilities of all operational testing, NATOPS formulation, and construction of the Standard Operating Procedures for the MQ-8B.

The results of the "Sea Dawgs" diligent effort have helped pave the way for the "Firescout" to make future operational deployments.

The "Sea Dawgs" have also been exceptional in their primary responsibility of flying the SH-60B in search of narcotics trafficking. In just past 50 fly-days, the detachment has accumulated more than 350 flight hours. The Detachment Seven, USS McInerney team has accounted for six trafficking disruptions and vessel boardings, three search and rescue operations, and two helicopter medevacs.

In continuing with strong naval tradition, Detachment Seven is returning with 25 "Shellbacks" after completing the "Crossing the Line" ceremony in December. The ceremony was completed after a full "Wog" day of games, events, and all-around camaraderie throughout the ship.

Detachment maintenance personnel have been working around the clock maintaining both the SH-60B and two MQ-8B "Firescouts." The 19 maintainers, led by Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Gerald Gamm and LPO Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Lacey Clark, have successfully completed two SH-60B maintenance phases at sea and accrued close to 5,000 maintenance man-hours.

Detachment Seven also has 95 percent of its EAWS-eligible personnel qualified.

The "Sea Dawgs" are looking forward to the remainder of deployment where they hope to and add to their already impressive resume.

Detachment Officer in Charge, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Williams said, "The support we have received from our families, friends, and the Squadron has been amazing. When you have a support system like we have, it makes doing our job out here a lot easier."