Two HSC-6 helicopters insert members of Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 (EODMU-11) onto the stern of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo taken by MCSA Kelly Agee, USN.
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espite being deployed at sea, HSC-6 was able to conduct requisite overland training through several detachments during the course of their deployment. In an unprecedented two aircraft, 600mile cross country [...they] flew from the Gulf of Oman to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar maximizing joint training opportunities, gaining valuable readiness and increasing pilot and aircrew unprepared landing proficiency... Integrating the personnel recovery capabilities of HSC-6 and CVW-11, the squadron maintained a liaison officer at the Joint Personnel Recovery Center while supporting operations in theater. Rotor Review # 123 Winter ‘14
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of HSC-6 Detachment ONE (DET 1), was involved in a mishap onboard USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). HSC-6 came together like never before, showing unwavering bravery, dedication, and loyalty while conducting an extensive search for two of their own. HSC-6 was joined in their determined efforts by CSG11, HSM-75, a P-3 Orion from VP-47, and an Air Force HC-130. A memorial for LCDR Jones and CWO3 Gibson was held on the flight deck of Nimitz on October 1st. The entire air wing and hundreds of ship’s company personnel were in attendance to show support for their lost shipmates. The memorial was only one example of the overwhelming support received by the Indians. VAW-117 coordinated a poker tournament onboard Nimitz, HSM-73 held a memorial run at NAS North Island, and HSM-75 joined forces with HSC-6 to host a memorial flight deck 5K. All of the support within the air wing and from squadrons around the world exemplified just how close the Naval Aviation family truly is. Toward the end of October, Nimitz transited the Suez Canal to conduct flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea. In the SIXTH Fleet area of responsibility, the squadron seized the opportunity to conduct VFR navigation training to Souda Bay, Greece, flying five sorties over the course of three days to the joint base on Crete. The Screamin’ Indians enjoyed a well-deserved port call in Naples, Italy, a rare opportunity for a West Coast squadron. Following the port call and operations in the Mediterranean, the Indians resumed their journey home. During the transit DET 1 was stood down and returned to Nimitz. For the first time in ten months the entire squadron was reunited. Deployment presented a countless number of challenges. However, the Screamin’ Indians performed admirably even under the most difficult circumstances. Congratulations to LT Leonard “POT” Taylor, LT Brian “Fetus” Kroll, and LT Mary “Squeak” Hesler on achieving their Helicopter Aircraft Commander qualification. LT Bryon “Magnum” Yoder, LT Justin “The Great” Felgar, LTJG Kristin “NAP” Hope, and LTJG Bryan “Katy” Criger achieved their Helicopter Second Pilot qualification, and LCDR Steve “Scuba” Morrissey, LT Matt “DIFDEN” Keeley, LT Mallory “Mad Dog” Wright, and LT Rebecca “WISCA” Bennett achieved their Functional Check Pilot qualification. Finally, HSC-6 wishes fair winds and following seas to LCDR Ethan “Nasty” Haines, LT Xander “Feather” Campbell, LT Gavin “Powder” McCorry, LT Rick “DD” Dugan, and LT Christopher “Topher” Yates. The wardroom also extends a hearty welcome aboard to LCDR Brandon “Broadway” Smith, LTJG Christie “Kevin” McAllister, and ENS Brian Curry.