Last modified Wed., March 11, 2009 - 04:26 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 12, 2009

HS-5 'Nightdippers' deploy with Ike

By Lt.j.g. William Raley, HS-5 Public Affairs Officer

An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter assigned to the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5 embarked aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts a vertical replenishment March 3 with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198). The Eisenhower strike group is on a scheduled deployment in support of forward-deployed maritime security operations. (Photo by MC2 Kenneth Hendrix)
MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix

The "Nightdippers" of HS-5 recently completed Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) with Carrier Strike Group 8 and are now beginning a scheduled five-month deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).

Many exercises were conducted to test the capabilities of Carrier Strike Group 8 and ensure their readiness before deployment.

The Nightdippers had the opportunity to practice many of the tasks that will be encountered during air operations abroad. They showed their flexibility and adaptability to complex events such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, logistical support, maritime interdiction operations, and search and rescue operations.

Briefly returning home to NAS Jacksonville after COMPTUEX concluded in January, many Nightdippers took some well-earned time off to spend with family and friends. Sailors also spent this time preparing and ensuring all business at home was in order prior to deploying. NAS Jacksonville Base Legal proved to be a very valuable resource, allowing many individuals to receive important legal documentation such as power of attorney and wills.

The squadron's maintenance department spent the short time before deployment working hard to ensure all seven aircraft (four SH-60F and three HH-60H) were ready for deployment. This was no small task with a great deal of scheduled maintenance requiring completion before the aircraft flew back to Norfolk, Va. to embark on the carrier.

For many in the squadron, this is their first deployment. Leaving friends and family behind is always difficult and stressful. However, most Sailors, like PR3 Emerito Beato have said, "It's a little scary and emotionally challenging knowing where we're heading, but I stand up for our mission and I'm proud to serve my country."

Their time at home was brief, but even with the short turnaround from COMPTUEX, the Nightdippers are ready to lead Carrier Strike Group 8 and CVW-7 into a successful deployment.