US Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron - (HSM) 79, the 'Griffins'
- 4 years ago
The Navy established Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, the 'Griffins', with a commissioning ceremony held aboard Naval Base Coronado, June 2, 2016.
HSM-79 became the sixth West Coast carrier HSM squadron, completing the expansion and consolidation of helicopter forces dictated by the Navy's Helicopter Master Plan.
"Today we had the great opportunity to establish the last HSM squadron in the wing," said Cmdr. Marcos Cantu, commanding officer of HSM 79. "I'm just really proud of the way this squadron has turned around in this short amount of time, going from zero to a functional squadron in just a few months. The Sailors have done a great job, and will continue to do a great job on their next deployment."
Operating the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, the 'Griffins' will embark aircraft carriers to carry out various missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, search and rescue, humanitarian relief and medical evacuation operations.
The squadron adopted its name from two decommissioned Squadrons that focused on aircraft carrier-based anti-submarine warfare: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 9 'Sea Griffins' and the Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38 'Red Griffins'. The 'Griffins' will be continuing their legacy.
HSM-79 became the sixth West Coast carrier HSM squadron, completing the expansion and consolidation of helicopter forces dictated by the Navy's Helicopter Master Plan.
"Today we had the great opportunity to establish the last HSM squadron in the wing," said Cmdr. Marcos Cantu, commanding officer of HSM 79. "I'm just really proud of the way this squadron has turned around in this short amount of time, going from zero to a functional squadron in just a few months. The Sailors have done a great job, and will continue to do a great job on their next deployment."
Operating the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, the 'Griffins' will embark aircraft carriers to carry out various missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, search and rescue, humanitarian relief and medical evacuation operations.
The squadron adopted its name from two decommissioned Squadrons that focused on aircraft carrier-based anti-submarine warfare: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 9 'Sea Griffins' and the Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38 'Red Griffins'. The 'Griffins' will be continuing their legacy.