HSL-48 Detachment 10 Returns To Mayport

HSL- 48 Det. 10 was deployed to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus under operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet onboard USS Hawes (FFG 53).

Members of Det. 10 were welcomed on the Mayport pier by excited family members and fellow HSL-48 squadron-mates. When asked how it felt to finally be home and see his girl friend and dog after six months, Lt. Kevin "Sidecar" Shikuma, HSL 48 Det 10 Maintenance Officer, said, "I am so happy to see them and I can't wait to take a shower without wearing shower shoes."

HSL-48 Det. 10 participated in several multi-national operations in support of the CIT mission spanning the duration of their six-month deployment. In the early summer months of 2009, Det. 10 was attached to a multi-national coalition conducting maritime security operations in support of President Obama for the 5th Summit of the Americas Conference. The conference was hosted in Trinidad and Tobago and featured world leaders from the Americas. Det. 10 flew maritime surveillance missions and provided logistical support for the operation.

After the conclusion of the 5th Summit of the Americas Conference, Det. 10 was tasked to the Western Caribbean Sea to participate in Operation Carib Shield. During Operation Carib Shield, Det. 10 flew numerous missions monitoring merchant traffic for possible drug trafficking activity flowing from South America to the Northern Caribbean Sea and the Gulf Mexico. Three Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, 401, 405, and 408, augmented Hawes and Det. 10 to provide a complete law enforcement capability.

In mid-summer of 2009, D was reassigned to Operation Flying Fish and Operation Carib Royale, which involved counter-drug operations in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Both operations were multi-national and intra-agency collaborations involving the French Navy, the French Air Force, the British Navy, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Hawes was the first U.S. warship to participate in Operation Carib Royale. Det. 10 flew maritime interdiction operations and brought the Airborne Use of Force capability to both operations.

In addition to conducting counter-drug operations throughout the Caribbean Sea, Det. 10 was enjoyed six port visits. In the early months of their deployment, Det. 10 visited Dutch Curacao and Cartagena, Columbia. Several members of Det. 10 participated in a community relations project in Curacao helping to revitalize an aging nursing home.

In the latter half of their deployment, Det. 10 visited Aruba, Barbados, Cartagena, and Jamaica. When asked about which port was his favorite, Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Donald Hackney, Det. 10 Lead Aviation Machinist's Mate, said, "Barbados was spectacular; Oystins Bay Fish Market had the best Mahi Mahi this mouth has ever tasted!"

In total, HSL-48 Det. 10 flew 430 mishap-free flight hours in support of both United States and allied interests in the Caribbean Sea. Together with the sailors of Hawes and several U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, the "Circus Freaks" had a significant impact on the counter-drug mission in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.

Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO), exercising operational control of assigned forces. Fourth Fleet conducts the full spectrum of maritime security operations (MSO) in support of U.S. objectives and security cooperation activities that promote coalition building and deter aggression.

As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.