US Navy, AT SEA ABOARD USS PREBLE (DDG-88): The Navy’s newest multi-mission helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk successfully completed its first “at sea” operations Jan. 25 while underway in the guided missile destroyer, USS Preble (DDG-88).
Operating as a detachment from Maritime Strike Helicopter Squadron (HSM) 71, the Raptors, the Navy’s first operational MH-60R squadron, more than 25 aircrew and maintainers used a single MH-60R to complete basic training, familiarization and qualification missions, as well as shipboard integration flights.
While underway from 22-25 January off the West Coast of the United States, the Raptors accrued more than 23 flight hours, 80 small-deck landings and 20 vertical replenishment evolutions aboard USS Preble.
Through the effort, many of the pilots and aircrew gained deck landing qualifications, qualified as Landing Safety Officer, and conducted flight deck coordinator training.
Other training missions included vertical replenishment and in-flight refueling which helped USS Preble achieve its aviation certification.
“The [detachment] was a huge success and exceeded my highest expectations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joe Sanchez, officer in charge of the HSM-71 detachment. “We really couldn’t have done it without the dedication and professionalism of the Sailors from the USS Preble and HSM-71 — specifically the USS Preble’s flight deck team, our detachment maintenance personnel and the flight crews.”
With their first at-sea period successfully behind them, the Raptors continue to prepare for the first operational deployment of the MH-60R helicopter with the Stennis Carrier Battle Group in September.
On-going efforts include undergoing the Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program, and additional at-sea periods aboard the guided missile cruiser, USS Antietam (CG 54), and the guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Kidd (DDG-100).
As the Navy’s next generation multi-mission helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk will be the cornerstone of the Navy’s helicopter concept of operations. It will replace the fleet’s legacy SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft.
Anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare are the MH-60R’s primary missions. Secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation, and communication relay.
The Raptor’s sister squadron, HSM-41 in San Diego, achieved initial operational capability for the MH-60R December 2005 when it received the first four aircraft.
The Navy’s current plans call for more than 250 MH-60R aircraft.
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