Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Fourteen - 2007

2007

After the winter holidays, HS-14 was back operating at full clip and taking advantage of the great training areas the Far East has to offer. The Chargers sent a four helicopter detachment to Kadena Air Base on the island of Okinawa, Japan to practice weapons employment and terrain flying. The crews were able to take advantage of the area's weapons ranges and fired two AGM 114B Hellfire missiles and three Mk 46 practice torpedoes. Additionally, the Chargers practiced joint operations with multiple commands and services. HS-14 practiced anti-submarine warfare tracking and attacking techniques with the P-3 Orion squadron, VP-4 "Skinny Dragons". The Chargers were also able to practice fast roping, rappelling, and High Altitude Low Opening and static-line paradrops with the 1st of the 1st Army Airborne Rangers. The 320th Tactics Squadron also worked with HS-14 practicing similar techniques.

Carrier Strike Group Five (CARSTRKGRU 5), led by the carrier Kitty Hawk, began another deployment in May, making stops in Guam, Sydney, Brisbane, Guam again, and Kuala Lumpur. HS-14 participated in multiple exercises during the deployment, including Talisman Saber, Valiant Shield, and Malabar 2007. Once again, HS-14 showcased its versatility, flying CSAR, ASW, VERTREP, Logistics, ASUW, and PHOTOEX missions throughout the summer. CARSTRKGRU 9 pulled into Yokosuka in September, only to depart again in early October for fall cruise. During a port call in Muroran, Northern Japan, HS-14 detached two HH-60H's and four aircrews to Misawa Air Base for FLIR/HELLFIRE training. The detachment rejoined the Kitty Hawk prior to ANNUALEX 19G, the naval portion of a larger US/Japan exercise. Following the exercise, Carrier Strike Group Five made international headlines when it was denied entrance to the port of Hong Kong for the Thanksgiving Holiday. HS-14 returned to Atsugi in early December, ending an eventful year of operations.