The exercise
marked the start of the HSC-7 work-up cycle in preparation for deployment
in the 5th Fleet area of operation with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
(CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10.
"We're also making combat maneuvers during the exercise in preparation
for our combat deployment," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Walters, HSC-7
training officer. "We have to have so many qualified people capable
of actually pulling the trigger."
The APKWS II is a laser-guided rocket similar to standard, unguided
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new system serves as a low-cost, high
accuracy variant to the Hellfire missiles previously used against lightly
armored targets.
"For MH-60S aircraft specifically, the LAU-61G/A and APKWS II add
a medium-range guided option to its robust weapons footprint,"
said Lt. Erik Gustafson, HSC-7 tactics officer. "The MH-60S will
employ APKWS II along with its existing 20mm cannon, 2.75" unguided
rockets, Hellfire missiles, and crew-served door guns, providing the
Warfare Commander with a lethal and effective helicopter weapons system."
The Dusty Dogs employed two helicopters for the exercise at a practice
range approximately 20 miles off the Virginia coast near Naval Air Station
Oceana - one performing combat maneuvers and firing the APKWS II at
both stationary and moving targets, and one serving as a support aircraft,
with an observing training officer and two rescue swimmers aboard.
"It is a lot more precise," said Lt. Brian Cramer while using
the system during the exercise. "Instead of needing to fire multiple
missiles to make sure you hit a target, this is just 'one-and-go'."
The pilots deployed the missiles quickly, aimed at a target using a
laser, and immediately deployed a volley of missile fire. Training officers
and qualifying pilots observed significant damage to every sea surface
floating target provided by the U.S. Navy Air Systems Command after
firing a minimal number of missiles.
"The event allowed HSC-7 crews to build proficiency in employing
the system before we commence joint training with our Carrier Air Wing
(CVW) 3 counterpart, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74,"
said Gustafson. "Together, we will provide CVW-3, CVN-69 and the
whole CSG-10 team with an unmatched anti-surface warfare capability."
According to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the MH-60S Seahawk is the
Navy's most versatile helicopter, performing missions such as vertical
replenishment, search-and-rescue, regional security, medical evacuations
and others. The MH-60R Seahawk is a more combat-based aircraft primarily
for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Both helicopters will deploy
with participating HSC's during the upcoming 2016 deployment. |
NORFOLK,
Va. (Aug. 18, 2015) An SH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the Dusty
Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 fires an Advanced Precision
Kill Weapon System II during a live-fire qualification exercise at a
practice range off the Virginia coast. The Dusty Dogs are preparing
for a deployment with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier
Strike Group in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo
by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Desmond Parks/Released)