AUTEC HARP 2008 is clean sweep for HS-3

This grueling eight-week process puts the squadron through its paces in all warfare mission areas. The antisubmarine warfare (ASW) portion of the training requires the squadron to send a detachment to the Atlantic Undersea Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC).

Considered to be one of the best East Coast detachment locations, AUTEC is located on Andros Island in the Western Bahamas. Pristine conditions and intricate underwater hydrophone arrays in very deep water allow for unmatched ASW training and realistic testing.

Shortly after their arrival the HS-3 "Tridents" dove into several events. Several torpedoes were expertly loaded onto aircraft and effectively employed against underwater targets during the exercises.

The crucial attention to detail and expert performance of Trident aviation ordnancemen paid huge dividends through excellent weapons performance during crucial training engagements. Also noteworthy were the fantastic efforts provided by the HS-3 aviation electronic technicians and their fantastic maintenance of several mission essential sonar systems.

HS-3 was also joined by a detachment of Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron based at Hurlburt Field, Fla. for the naval special warfare segment of the training.

Both the Tridents and PJs were able to obtain several qualifications during multiple day and night fast-rope insertions, simulating maritime interdiction. Additionally, PJ sharpshooters were able to conduct sniper training from the helicopter against targets at sea. Being a flexible and accommodating force, the PJs were fantastic to work with and added a level of realism to the training events.

Later in the week, the HS-3 chief's mess and wardroom held a beach picnic for all of the hard working Sailors who had put in so many long hours. As the troops dug into lunch, the Trident pilots and aircrew pitched in for a beach foreign object damage walk down.

Recent rains and storms had caused the shoreline to become awash with litter and other debris. Several full garbage bags later, the AUTEC beach looked great.

For HS-3, AUTEC HARP 2008's overall success and safety was a testament to all who participated. By working long hours and putting forth a superior effort, training objectives and mission qualifications were accomplished despite stormy weather and time constraints. The unmatched flexibility and dedication of the HS-3 team resulted in five successful torpedo launches, 96 safe flight hours and several unique and difficult mission qualifications obtained for overall squadron readiness.