NAS Jax 'Dusty Dogs' home from deployment

After transiting the North Atlantic, the carrier pulled into Naples, Italy for five days before making its way through the Suez Canal in late November 2007.

While transiting to the Arabian Gulf, the Dusty Dogs trained at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, which proved to be a great opportunity for overland terrain flying. In December, the battle group made its way through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf. They celebrated Christmas in the port of Jebel Ali, southwest of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Lt. Cmdr. Scott Knowles greets his daughters (left) Avery and Brook. Photo by QM2 Nicole Soto.

During the deployment, the squadron was involved in a multi-faceted mission in the North Arabian Gulf to train the Iraqi military, secure Iraqi infrastructure and ensure the protection of their assets, and establish and enforce Iraqi sovereignty.

HS-7 worked with British, Australian and other U.S. assets to support these missions while in close proximity to Iran.

January 2008 started off with the rescue of three fellow aviators after a mid-air collision. In February, HS-7 provided assets for the challenging rescue of 10 persons from a sinking foreign vessel. All 10 were hoisted off of their vessel and transported to a nearby USNS ship for medical attention.

The Dusty Dogs of HS-7 approach NAS Jax after their six-month deployment on board the USS Harry S. Truman. Photo by Shannon Leonard, MWR.

HS-7 not only worked with a Marine Corps fleet anti-terrorism security team platoon and explosive ordnance disposal personnel during several evolutions, they also completed valuable naval special warfare training. March continued the Dusty Dogs' mission in the North Arabian Gulf and support of the carrier battle group. HS-7 also engaged in maritime security training throughout the gulf with their strategic partners Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

April was the last month of flight operations in the gulf as USS Truman prepared for departure from the Arabian Gulf.

Family members of Sailors assigned to HS-7, hold posters welcoming them home after a six-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) . The squadron was deployed with the carrier in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. MC3 Elisha Dawkins

May was a busy month as the carrier made its way back through the Suez Canal and pulled into Rhodes, Greece for several days of rest and relaxation - after 55 straight days at sea. In mid-May, fighting broke out in Beirut, Lebanon leaving the U.S. Embassy cut off from its supply line. The Dusty Dogs sprang into action and provided the embassy with vital supplies and transportation capabilities via an air bridge. A detachment remained in the area for almost two weeks as USS Truman made its way to Marseille, France for a final port call before transiting the Atlantic to NS Mayport.

During deployment, the squadron's 200 personnel and seven helicopters conducted more than 900 flights, surpassed 2,800 hours of flight time, conducted five medical evacuations, accomplished 13 rescues and provided needed aid to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.

Sailors assigned to HS-7, disembark USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) at NS Mayport. The squadron was deployed for six months in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. MC3 Elisha Dawkins

AO3 James Linsley of HS-7 greets his family at NS Mayport after being deployed for six months on board USS Harry Truman (CVN-75) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. MC3 Elisha Dawkins