HS-15 'Desert Lions' return from Iraq

(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rebecca Kruck/Released) 090803-N-4698K-047 (Aug. 3, 2009) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 15 (HS-15) Commanding Officer Larry Getz greets his daughter, Ryan, 4, during homecoming celebrations following his squadron's six-month deployment to Iraq. According to Getz, "we caught a fair number of bad guys in Iraq. I think that's what most people will remember. We did something that will enable Iraq to increase its chance of having a stable and peaceful democracy."

The detachment of 64 personnel and four helicopters spent five months supporting the joint special operations command based in Balad, Iraq.

"This was a mission Navy helicopter crews train to all the time," explained HS-15 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Larry Getz. "It's different than our usual boat tour, because we detach out directly to a land-based command. Whether it's Navy SEALS, Army Green Berets or other special operations forces, we're ready to support them."

Getz added, "This was a very rewarding deployment. One of the best things is that we brought our aircraft and people home safely. As a commanding officer, you have to trust your people to do their job effectively - and our folks did a fantastic job. We caught a fair number of bad guys in Iraq. I think that's what most people will remember - that we did something that will enable Iraq to increase its chance of a stable and peaceful democracy."

Getz's wife, Stacey, was hesitant about the Red Lions doing their first land-based deployment overseas. "It's natural to be concerned about them being based on the ground in Iraq, but it was a fantastic experience for them. There's nothing worse than the day they leave - but there's nothing better than today," she said.

Capt. Andy Whitson, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, said the squadron did a fantastic job. "Prior to deployment, they completed three months of desert training that was really challenging. It's certainly a non-traditional mission when compared to an aircraft carrier deployment. These pilots and aircrew had to go through a completely different mind-set. The maintainers also had to deal with things they're not used to because of the harsh environmental conditions in Iraq."

The Red Lions returned to NAS Jacksonville the same way they departed this past March - aboard gigantic U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy airlifters. Each C-5 transported two HH-60H Seahawk helicopters and maintenance equipment, along with dozens of personnel and all their gear.

(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rebecca Kruck/Released) 090804-N-4698K-036 (Aug. 4, 2009) Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (Aviation Warfare) Chris Hamilton walks with wife, Jolyne after coming home from a six-month deployment to Iraq with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 15 (HS-15). While on deployment Hamilton and his shipmates supported logistical operations for special forces teams in Iraq. )

The Desert Lion detachment of four HH-60H Seahawks spent five months in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The squadron flew more than 450 mishap-free combat hours, delivered over 25,000 pounds of cargo, and carried more than 350 passengers in theater as it provided invaluable support to various special operations missions.

When asked about the success of the detachment, Getz said, "To be able to provide this asset to the war effort in Iraq was truly an honor. Furthermore, our efforts proved that an active duty Navy helicopter squadron like HS-15 can train, deploy, operate and provide a vital support role to special operations missions. I trust that our success will pave the way for future detachments. Honestly, I couldn't be happier with how the Desert Lions performed."

From both a flying and maintenance perspective, the desert environment provided unique challenges to HS-15. With frequent sand storms that create low visibilities and temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, Iraq is a difficult place to execute missions.

"This was, hands down, the most challenging flying environment that I have ever encountered," commented Lt. Cmdr. Juan Mullen. "A night low-light, brown-out landing in a division of four helicopters is an experience that I will never forget."

Photo by Clark Pierce His youngest son, Liam, tells ADC Todd Ennis, "Let's get some donuts!" as his wife, Deborah, and sons (right) Alex and Avery happily look on.

Long hours and time-critical maintenance was nothing new to the HS-15 Detachment Maintenance Department. "Long hours was the only aspect similar to shipboard operations that we experienced while maintaining our aircraft in Iraq," said Detachment Maintenance Officer Lt. j.g. Aristile Guidry.

"From day one of boots on ground, our Sailors persevered over numerous challenges. We constructed our work center spaces and maintenance control out of two-by-fours and plywood. It was also interesting to work alongside the Air Force, Army, and Marine personnel on a daily basis. Overall, the maintenance team did an outstanding job adapting to the conditions, along with the obvious role of maintaining all aircraft 'up and ready' in an alert status day after day with minimal down time. I'm extremely proud of each one of our Sailors' contributions to the mission. They now bring their unique experience to the fleet," said Guidry.

The Red Lions are now preparing to go back to sea in December as a component of CVW-17 on board USS George Washington (CVN 73). The lessons learned from this unique, land-based Iraq experience will help lead the way for continued success on all fronts.

Photo courtesy of HS-15 An HS-15 "Red Lions" HH-60H helicopter hovers over a rooftop as special forces operators practice their fast-rope egress.

Photo courtesy of HS-15 An HH-60H Seahawk of HS-15 conducts a brownout landing during its 2009 deployment to the joint special operations command based in Balad, Iraq

Photo courtesy of HS-15 The Class of 2009: HS-15 "Desert Lions" detached to Balad, Iraq.