Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60
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| Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60 | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60 |
| Dates | Established 2012–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Rotary-wing aviation |
| Role | Maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, search and rescue |
| Garrison | Naval Air Station Jacksonville |
| Nickname | "Black Knights" |
| Aircraft helicopter | Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk |
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 60 is a United States Navy rotary-wing squadron organized to operate the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk in support of carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups, and independent surface combatants. The unit provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and logistics support across littoral and blue-water theaters. The squadron trains for integrated operations with surface ships, submarine forces, naval aviation, and joint partners.
History
The squadron traces its lineage to the Navy’s transition from earlier SH-60B and SH-60F units to the MH-60R community in the early 21st century, paralleling broader force restructuring that included changes within United States Fleet Forces Command, United States Pacific Fleet, and Naval Air Systems Command. Its establishment coincided with increased emphasis on distributed maritime operations and multi-domain integration promoted by Chief of Naval Operations initiatives and studies such as the Annual Long-Range Plan. Early milestones included initial cadre formation at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and completion of fleet replacement training under the oversight of Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic instructors. Over successive readiness cycles, the squadron expanded mission sets to include cooperative engagement with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, interoperability trials with Aegis Combat System surface units, and combined exercises with allied navies such as the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Mission and Roles
Primary missions encompass anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and command-and-control support for strike group commanders within contested maritime domains defined by strategies from United States Strategic Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command. Secondary tasks include personnel recovery, vertical replenishment, and medical evacuation in coordination with Naval Expeditionary Medical Support Command and fleet surgical teams. The squadron’s doctrinal employment aligns with concepts promulgated by Navy Warfare Development Command and doctrinal publications issued by Chief of Naval Operations staffs, enabling integration into carrier strike group operations, littoral combat operations, and joint amphibious campaigns with elements like II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Aircraft and Equipment
The squadron operates the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk, a multi-mission helicopter produced by Sikorsky Aircraft with mission systems supplied by vendors including Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman. Key avionics and sensors include the AN/AQS-22 airborne low frequency sonar, multi-mode radar, electronic support measures (ESM), and the Integrated Mission Display linked to datalinks compatible with Cooperative Engagement Capability and the Link 16 network. Weapons fit typically comprises Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for surface engagements, along with crew-served defensive systems and rescue hoist assemblies supplied by United Technologies Corporation legacy systems. Maintenance and logistics are supported through supply chains managed in cooperation with Naval Air Systems Command depots and Fleet Readiness Centers.
Deployments and Operations
Deployments have included embarked periods aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers assigned to Carrier Strike Group 10 and other expeditionary formations during patrols in the Caribbean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and the Western Pacific Ocean. The squadron participated in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC, BALTOPS, and Malabar, collaborating with forces from Royal Canadian Navy, Indian Navy, and French Navy units. Operational tasks have ranged from submarine detection missions coordinated with United States Navy Submarine Forces to maritime interdiction support in cooperation with United States Coast Guard detachments. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations have seen the unit provide medevac and supply delivery in response to typhoons and hurricanes affecting regions overseen by United States Southern Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Command Structure and Personnel
Administratively, the squadron falls under Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic and operationally embarks on vessels assigned to numbered fleets under commanders such as U.S. Fleet Forces Command and United States Pacific Fleet. Leadership billets follow Navy aviation conventions with a Commanding Officer (CO), Executive Officer (XO), and Command Master Chief (CMC); aircrew includes pilots, naval flight officers, and sensor operators, while maintenance departments contain aviation structural mechanics, helicopter engine mechanics, and avionics technicians drawn from occupational ratings like Naval Aviation Maintenance Technician specialties. Professional development and flight training align with syllabi issued by Naval Air Training Command and standards set by the Chief of Naval Air Training.
Awards and Unit Citations
The squadron has been recognized through unit-level commendations and sea service awards consistent with performance in deployed operations, exercises, and safety milestones tracked by Department of the Navy oversight. Awards received by squadron personnel include individual recognitions such as Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service during deployments, while unit citations reflect collective achievements during complex ASW campaigns and multinational exercises. Safety accolades and retention excellence metrics have been noted in periodic assessments conducted by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic.