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US Navy - Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HELMINERON 14)HM-14 'Vanguard' |
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 MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Quebradillas, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - October 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - August 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Katy, Texas - August 2017 MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Lackland, Texas - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Lackland, Texas - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Lackland, Texas - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - June 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - June 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - June 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - June 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - May 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) over Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Norfolk, Virginia - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - April 2017  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Pohang, Republic of Korea - January 2017  Loading an AN/AQS-24A mine hunting system, also known as "the fish," aboard a Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon. HM-14 Detachment TWO ALPHA is deployed to Pohang, Republic of Korea - April 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Pohang, Republic of Korea - April 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2016  Sailors attached to HM-14 tow a line attached to a Mk-105 Minesweeping Sled from a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) during exercise Foal Eagle in Pohang, Republic of Korea - March 2016  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - November 2015  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2015  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) during Exercise RIMPAC 14 - July 2014  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) during Exercise RIMPAC 14 - July 2014  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Anchorage (LPD 23) - July 2014  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2013  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - January 2013  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - January 2013  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - April 2012  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - February 2012  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - January 2012  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - December 2011  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - August 2011  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - August 2011  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Sendai, Japan - March 2011  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2011  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - December 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - February 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - January 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - January 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - January 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - January 2010  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2009  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - July 2009  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - March 2009  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - Peru - June 2008  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - April 2008  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - September 2006  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) - March 2006  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - January 2006  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) after Hurricane Rita - Gulf of Mexico - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - New Orleans, Louisiana - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - New Orleans, Louisiana - September 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Tortuga (LSD 46) - September 2005  A Mk-105 Magnetic Influence Minesweeping System sled is launched from the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) and HM-15, are making history, conducting the sled operations from the well deck of the ship for only the third time in history and for the first time while the ship was underway - Caribbean Sea - August 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14) - May 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14) - May 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14) - May 2005  MH-53E Sea Dragon (HM-14) - February 2005 > klick here for HM-14 Vanguards image page 2 < |
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History: HM-14 was established at NAS, Norfolk, on 12 May 1978 as the world's first fully self-contained Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadron. The squadron was outfitted with eight RH-53D aircraft from HM-12 and with Vietnam War legacy minewsweeping equipment from AMCM Unit Alpha, including five Mk-105 sleds. 1980s In April 1981, the squadron deployed to Europe for 5 1/2 months as the AMCM element of the first integrated MCM Task Group, along with surface and underwater MCM units. They participated in multi-national exercises and demonstrations in several countries to show the capabilities of an AMCM squadron. In June 1984, HM-14 took delivery of the AN/AQS-14 Mine Hunting Sonar and established the Fleet’s first operational airborne mine hunting capability. This new asset was put to use in the Red Sea during Operation Intense Look while the squadron conducted split-site operations, with the main body of the squadron deploying on USS Shreveport and Detachment One operating out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The squadron received its first MH-53 Sea Dragon E-model helicopter on 9 April 1989. A variant of the CH-53E, this model was the first aircraft designed specifically for AMCM. The MH-53E includes Precision Navigation System for minefield navigation, a dedicated hydraulic system for MCM operations, and a greater fuel capacity for extended on-station time while conducting sweeps. 1990s In October 1990, HM-14 Detachment One forward deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, becoming the first U.S. Navy squadron to do so. With six aircraft, 300 personnel, and all associated support equipment, this was the largest detachment in community history. The squadron set up a forward operating presence in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the Sheikh Zayed MCM Base Abu Dhabi (SZMBAD) from which they provided AMCM coverage of the entire Gulf in coordination with the surface MCM Fleet under COMUSMCMGRU. In January 1992, six containers of arsenic were swept overboard from a freighter during a severe storm off the coast of New Jersey. HM-14 self-lifted to New Jersey to support the U.S. Coast Guard in searching for the containers during Operation Toxic Look. HM-14 swept over 305 linear miles using the AQS-14 sonar system before finding all six containers and preventing an ecological disaster. The detachment was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Award for this action. In 1995, HM-14 was integrated with USNR sister squadron HM-18. Following fellow squadrons HM-15 and HM-19 as the first squadrons to integrate active and reserve elements into a single squadron, over 200 personnel from HM-18 boosted the manning of HM-14 to almost 700, making it one of the largest operational squadrons in the U.S. Navy. Regular Navy, Temporary Active Reserve (now FTS), and Selected Reserve pilots, aircrew, maintenance and administrative personnel deploy and work side by side with no distinction made between them. In 1999, HM-14 established the first permanent AMCM detachment in Manama, Bahrain. They maintained this detachment until 2003, when it was turned over to sister squadron HM-15. During this time, HM-14 Det One participated in numerous exercises, logistics and AMCM support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and routine AMCM training. 2000's In 2001, HM-14 took over the flight training of Fleet Replacement Pilots and Aircrew from HMT-302. While the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS) in Norfolk conducts all ground training of student pilots and aircrew, HM-14 maintains the aircraft that are used for their training. At the beginning of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, a detachment from HM-14 along with Naval Special Clearance Team ONE de-mined the waterway leading into the port of Umm Qasr, reopening the port to serve an important role in the shipment of humanitarian supplies to Iraqi civilians. From 2005 to 2007, HM-14 participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operation New Horizon in Haiti, Joint Task Force Katrina in Louisiana, Joint Task Force Lebanon, and two presidential visits to Mexico and Uruguay. They used the capabilities of the MH-53E helicopters to provide heavy lift logistical support for cargo and personnel movement. In 2007 and 2008, HM-14 participated in the humanitarian missions Pacific Partnership and Continuing Promise aboard USS Peleliu and USS Boxer respectively. These extended operations went to multiple countries in the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific areas, providing medical services and Seabee support to impoverished areas. In September 2007, HM-14 established the community's second permanent detachment, this time at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This detachment provided 7th Fleet with a forward-deployed AMCM and heavy-lift asset to parallel HM-15 Det Two in Manama, Bahrain. The location in Iwakuni also allowed for sharing of assets and training with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force squadron HM-111, the only dedicated AMCM squadron outside of the United States and the only other squadron in the world that flies the MH-53E. In October 2008, HM-14 DET 1 MCAS Iwakuni, Japan relocated to Pohang, Korea continuing to provide the 7th Fleet with AMCM and heavy-lift support and performs operations in multiple countries in the Eastern Pacific. Operations and Organization HM-14's mission is to stand ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 72 hours via US Air Force C-5 Galaxy to provide airborne mine countermeasures and vertical onboard delivery support. Additionally, humanitarian and disaster relief tasking has been increasing in recent years. Recognizing the capabilities of the MH-53E, the squadron can also provide platforms for United States Navy EOD and Force Recon paratroopers. The squadron has 17 MH-53E Sea Dragon aircraft and 700 total members including pilots, aircrew, maintainers, and administrative personnel. The squadron has all of the typical departments of an aviation squadron, as well as a dedicated AMCM department, responsible for maintaining the minehunting and minesweeping gear and the RHIBs used for tending them. source: wikipedia - - - - - HM-14, flying the MH-53E Sea Dragon, is one of the largest and most unique squadrons in the Navy. It is one of two squadrons Navy-wide that have integrated an Active Duty airborne mine countermeasures squadron with it’s Reserve counterpart, with approximately 400 Active Duty and 250 TAR and Selected Reserve personnel. The "Vanguard" of HM-14 is capable of rapidly deploying and operating to any part of the world within 72 hours via Air Force C-5s. HM-14 was established on 12 May 1978, at Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia. An independent and self-contained operational Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) Squadron, today the Vanguard consists of approximately 650 enlisted personnel and 50 officers, and is home ported in Norfolk, Virginia. Using the USAF C-5A "Galaxy" and C-141 "Starlifter" transport aircraft, the squadron is capable of providing a rapid response mine countermeasures (MCM) capability to any location in the world where a mine threat may exist. The aircraft used by the squadron in its MCM operations is the Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. Since it's establishment, HM-14 has conducted a multitude of operations at home and abroad. In 1978, the squadron participated in exercise OLIVES NOIRES off the coast of Toulon, France and in exercise CRAZY HORSE near La Spezia, Italy. In April 1980, the squadron embarked on USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and deployed to the Indian Ocean for operation EVENING LIGHT during the Iranian hostage crisis. Elements of the squadron remained in the Indian Ocean until November 1980, when the main body of the squadron rejoined the detachment and established the first AMCM capability in the Indian Ocean/Arabian Gulf theater. In April 1981, the squadron deployed to Europe for 5 1/2 months as the AMCM element of the first integrated MCM Task Group, along with surface and underwater MCM units. HM-14 earned two Meritorious Unit Commendations during this period. During 1982, HM-14 participated in two major exercises: OCEAN VENTURE ‘82 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and CANUS MARCOT 1-82 at Canadian Forces Base Shearwater, Nova Scotia, and Canada. The Squadron was the recipient of the 1982 Battle "E" Award and the CNO Safety Award. Exercises and AMCM demonstrations in Belgium, Scotland, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Japan, Philippines and South Korea graphically demonstrated to NATO Allies that the U.S. Navy is capable of countering diverse mining threats anywhere in the world. In June 1984, HM-14 took delivery of the AN/AQS-14 Mine Hunting Sonar and established the Fleet’s first operational airborne mine hunting capability. In August 1984, the squadron responded to a JCS-directed rapid deployment order in support of operation INTENSE LOOK. HM-14 conducted split site AMCM operations in the Gulf of Suez in support of the Egyptian Government, and in the Red Sea in support of the Saudi Arabian Government. During this period, HM-14 also responded to provide vertical onboard delivery (VOD) support following the Beirut embassy annex bombing. For its performance during these operations, the squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Humanitarian Service Medal. In August 1987, the Squadron executed another JCS-directed rapid deployment order operating off the USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) and USS OKINAWA (LPH-3) in the Arabian Gulf as part of Operation EARNEST WILL. During these operations, HM-14 was credited with the first live moored mines swept by a U.S. Navy unit since the Korean Conflict. As a result of superb performance in the hostile and extremely demanding environment of the Arabian Gulf, HM-14 received the Navy Unit Commendation. In October 1990, HM-14 deployed to the Arabian Gulf for Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Maintaining a nine month presence in the Arabian Gulf staged in Abu Dhabi, UAE and later aboard USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10) and USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11), HM-14 flew 5315 hours clearing over 768 square miles of Iraqi-mined Gulf waters. Together with the surface and explosive ordnance disposal elements of the U.S. MCM Group, these actions re-established mine free passage for commercial and military shipping in the North Arabian Gulf and renewed commerce into and out of Kuwait. For the Vanguard’s accomplishments, the Squadron earned the Navy Unit Commendation and Combat Action Award. In January 1992, HM-14 rapidly deployed via self-lift to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for Operation TOXIC LOOK. Searching for several containers of hazardous arsenic which were swept over the side of a cargo ship during high seas, the Squadron successfully located the entire spillage area within six days of intense AQS-14 operations. The TOXIC LOOK detachment was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Award for this action. In January of 1993, HM-14 participated in the first integrated exercise at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas. In March, HM-14 deployed to Northern Europe aboard USS INCHON (LPH-12) to participate in NATO Exercise BLUE HARRIER ‘93. In March 1995, HM-14 completed an unprecedented integration with their Naval Reserve sister squadron, HM-18. Given the CNO directive to integrate at the squadron level, HM-14 developed a model plan with HM-18 to combine material assets and nearly 700 Regular, TAR and Selected Reserve personnel, becoming the first squadron in the Atlantic Fleet to integrate in such a manner. This achievement, combined with the squadron’s participation in four major MCM exercises, FRS training and Fleet Support services, set the standard in AMCM and Air Logistics excellence and culminated in the awarding of the 1995 Battle "E" and CNO Safety Awards. From March to June 1996, HM-14 participated in two major NATO exercises: WESTLANT MCMV Phases I, II, & IV and CJTFEX 96 (Purple Star). These exercises employed separate detachments in Charleston, South Carolina, New River, North Carolina, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and split site operations on the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-12) and at New River, North Carolina, over a four month period. In November 1996, HM-14 began the initial work-up cycle training with the newly configured MCM command ship USS INCHON (MCS-12). Training continued in January 1997 followed by deployment of an integrated MCM task force to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea in support of "EURO 97". During this deployment, HM-14 towed over 5000 linear miles, playing a pivotal role in three major NATO exercises: BLUE HARRIER ‘97, OLIVES VERTES and ALCUDRA. From May to June 1998, HM-14 again embarked on INCHON for training and participation in GOMEX 98 and NATO Exercise UNIFIED ENDEAVOR/MARCOT 98 supporting amphibious exercises in Saint John’s Bay, Newfoundland. 1999 was a busy year as the squadron established the first permanent forward-deployed AMCM detachment in the Arabian Gulf. In addition to the Bahrain detachment, the Vanguard participated in exercise KERNEL BLITZ off the coast of California, provided relief in Kosovo during Operation Shining Hope, provided support for the salvage of EgyptAir 990, and provided humanitarian support in the wake of Hurricane Floyd. In the year 2000, HM-14 participated in tasking that included VOD support and AMCM exercises, ARABIAN GAUNTLET and Coordinated Exercise LATE SAIL in the Arabian Gulf, and operations throughout the continental United States, such as MERCURY/GOMEX 2000-2 in the Gulf of Mexico and JTFEX 2000-2 in the Atlantic. In 2001, HM-14 began conducting, in conjunction with Airborne mine Countermeasures and Weapons Systems Training School (AWSTS), all replacement aircrew training for the MH-53E. The squadron also participated in exercises ARABIAN GAUNTLET, CASUAL GANDERI and supported the fleet following the terrorist attacks of September 11th during Operations NOBLE EAGLE and ENDURING FREEDOM. The year 2002 was as exceptional as it was busy for HM-14. Flying over 5,000 hours in fiscal year ’02 the command participated in both a JTFEX and a MEUEX in support of a Carrier Battle Group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment. In Bahrain, Det-1 continued to sharpen mine countermeasures effectiveness through participation in MIREM-20. Det-1 was hand picked by Fifth Fleet to transport the Vice President within the Arabian Gulf theatre. The Vanguard continued to lead the way introducing the enhanced digital imagery of the Q-24 sonar and laser line scan to fleet operations. During the Neptune Air Show at NAS Oceana HM-14 transported both the British Red Devils and the U.S. Army’s Golden Knight to 10,000 feet for parachute jumps. In support of joint operations, the Vanguard recovered an unmanned aerial vehicle from United Arab Emirates for the U.S. Air Force. HM-14 aided the local Heron population by airlifting nest-building supplies to Bloodsworth Island in the Northern Chesapeake bay. In 2003, HM-14 conducted AMCM, troop insertion, and VOD missions in support of operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Together with surface and underwater MCM units, HM-14 cleared vital waterways and seaports in Southern Iraq, allowing US Forces and necessary humanitarian aid to enter the country. In 2004, HM-14 greatly expanded its capabilities by adding the AN/AQS-24 sonar and the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) to its array of AMCM equipment. Using AMNS, HM-14 crews can reacquire, engage, and detonate a mine without endangering any ships or EOD personnel. In 2005, HM-14 conducted humanitarian relief operations in support of Operation NEW HORIZON for the poverty-stricken island of Haiti. Later that year, HM-14 supported hurricane relief operations by embarking three aircraft aboard the USS IWO JIM.A as part of the Joint Task Force KATRINA and RITA. With the damage to the Gulf Coast’s infrastructure severely restricting movement, the detachment provided critically needed transportation for people and supplies. In 2006, the Vanguard participated in several historic military operations. Due to the heavy-lift capability that only the Sea Dragon can provide, HM-14 was tapped to support a Presidential visit to Mexico in March 2006. The squadron also deployed onboard USS WASP in support of Joint Task Force Lebanon from August to November 2006, moving 80,000 pounds of cargo and 512 personnel. During RIMPAC 06, an HM-14 crew became the first to successfully detect and detonate a live mine using the newly developed Airborne Mine Neutralization System. In March 2007, HM-14 crowned an exceptional year by receiving the coveted Battle “E” award for operational excellence. Also, in March of 2007, HM-14 was tasked to support a Presidential visit to Uruguay. In a matter of days, HM-14 successfully broke down, rebuilt, and performed a Functional Check Flight on 5 MH-53Es sent to Uruguay inside Air Force C-5s. HM-14 also handed off their permanent detachment in Bahrain over to their sister squadron HM-15 and stood up a new HM-14 DET 1 at MCAS Iwaknui, Japan. In 2008, HM-14 once again was awarded the Battle “E”, making it the third straight year that HM-14 had received the award. Towards the end 2008, HM-14 DET 1 moved from Iwakuni, Japan to the ROK Marine base in Pohang, Republic of Korea. Once in South Korea, HM-14 DET 1 took part in CLEAR HORIZON. This multinational exercise demonstrated the AMCM capabilities that HM-14 brought to the Korean Peninsula. During 2009, HM-14 DET 1 flew into Taiwan after the Morokat tsunami to provide relief in operation CARING RESPONSE. DET 1 also participated in the ROK AMCM exercise FOAL EAGLE and the Australian exercise TALISMAN SABRE. HM-14 also participated in SOUTHBOUND TROOPER, a joint exercise along with the army at Fort Pickett in Virginia. This exercise showed HM-14’s versatility as a heavy-lift and combat support asset outside of the AMCM world. HM-14 was also selected to fly President George W. Bush to the aircraft carrier in his name and flew the first Night Vision Device (NVD) flights in a MH-53E, pushing the community towards being fully NVD capable. In early 2010, HM-14 was called upon for operation UNIFIED RESPONSE in support of the relief efforts following the Haiti earthquake. The vanguard deployed 5 MH-53E’s onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) and the USS BATAAN. During the 78 day detachment, HM-14 moved over 1.3 million pounds of cargo and 2,182 passengers, more than all the other aviation assets combined. Following the sinking of the ROK Ship CHEONAN, HM-14 DET 1 carried over 150 passengers and 3,000 pounds of cargo in support of the recovery efforts. HM-14 also moved the first MK-105 minesweeping sleds over to the Korean Peninsula, greatly expanding the Seventh Fleet’s AMCM capabilities and was awarded both the 2010 Battle “E” and Sykorsky Golden Wrench Award. Following the 9.0 earthquake on the island of Japan in January 2011, HM-14 DET 1 deployed upon the USS Tortuga as part of operation TOMODACHI. HM-14 provided vital support to the relief efforts throughout Japan. On the home front, HM-14 sent 3 aircraft across the country to NAS Whidbey Island for TRIDENT FURY. HM-14 participated in the annual Canadian exercise, clearing Victoria Harbour by cutting several inert mines. Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen has consistently responded to crises throughout the world, providing services that only our personnel and our equipment can provide. We have successfully cleared thousands of miles of water to protect U.S. vessels from mines. We have carried hundreds of thousands of pounds of cargo that no other aircraft is capable of carrying. HM-14 will continue to do so, proudly serving the men and woman of the United States of America as the “World Famous” Vanguard. source: MH-14 website |
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