HSL-48 Remembers Crew With Memorial Fly-Over

Extensive coordination with the Navy Office of Information, FAA, Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Commander, Naval Air Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet, was required before approval of the flight was granted.

Once approved, the crew reviewed pictures and satellite imagery of the event site to ensure clearance from obstacles and a seamless event.

This Military Appreciation Night was particularly important to the crew of Venom 500 since the fly over commemorated the loss of Lt.j.g. Nick Juron, who along with Lt. Chris Snyder and Aviation Warfare Sensor Operator Second Class John Kaye, was killed while conducting counter narco-terrorism operations off the coast of South America in December of 2005.

HSL-48 maintainers went to great lengths to ensure the aircraft was in exceptional operational condition for the event and affixed a panel commemorating the lost crew to Venom 500 before it left Mayport.

The crew of Venom 500, in close coordination with a pilot on the ground via radio, began their approach while the ''Star Spangled Banner'' played. As the National Anthem came to a close, spectators looked skyward to see a single SH-60B fly over head in memory of their fallen servicemen.

During half-time the crew of Venom 500 was brought on to the field and recognized for their part in the memorial fly over by a cheering and enthusiastic crowd.

The event was a success and the memorial fly over added a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the service of their country.