2008
HS-14 began 2008 with another weapons detachment to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, beginning in early February. The detachment used four helicopters to fire Hellfire missiles, drop torpedoes, and conduct ASW, CSAR, NSW, and close air support (CAS) training with Marines, Air Force, and Army personnel. Despite less than ideal weather, the squadron met its training goals for the detachment.
Detachment "B" joined USS Lassen in January. Together, they conducted independent operations until March. HS-14's main body embarked Kitty Hawk for Sea Trials in March, followed by workups in April, to include a welcome return to Hong Kong. Detachment A embarked USS Shiloh (CG-67), USS Cowpens (CG-63), and USS Shiloh again from February through May. Carrier Strike Group Five (CARSTRKGRU 5) left Yokosuka in May, marking Kitty Hawk's final departure from Japan. Detachment A rejoined the main squadron aboard Kitty Hawk for this cruise, while Detachment B took a much needed break in Atsugi. The strike group visited Guam in June, then proceeded to Hawaii, conducting Blue Water Operations along the way.
HS-14 and CARSTRKGRU 9 were treated to a port call in Honolulu just prior to participating in RIMPAC 2008. At the end of the port call, Detachment A, the "Misfits", debarked Kitty Hawk and embarked USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) as its air department for the exercise. The "Misfits" conducted intensive ASW operations with the Davis in a separate surface action group, providing invaluable support as a "pouncing" aircraft, as well multiple logistics flights in support of the ship. HS-14's main body aboard the Kitty Hawk provided similar support to Carrier Strike Group Five.
Following RIMPAC, the Kitty Hawk proceeded to San Diego for the long awaited CVW-5 Hull Swap with USS George Washington (CVN-73). However, a major task needed to be completed before the Kitty Hawk could pull into San Diego. HS-14 provided VERTREP for one of the largest ammunition offloads in recent memory. HS-14 managed to complete three days worth of "slinging bombs" in two days. The squadron moved over 900 loads, helping the Kitty Hawk to enter San Diego on time, and thousands of tons lighter.
CVW-5 flew off Kitty Hawk for the final time off the coast of California on 6 August. HS-14 provided photographic platforms for the historic flyoff, then flew off to NAS North Island on the 7th. When HS-14 landed at North Island that morning, it marked 14 years since the squadron was forward deployed to Japan. After Kitty Hawk tied up at NAS North Island, CVW-5 immediately began the demanding crossdeck operation required to establish itself aboard its new home, USS George Washington (CVN-73). For two weeks in August, HS-14 was divided between the Kitty Hawk, the George Washington, and HS-4's squadron spaces ashore. The squadron tried to allow sailors as much leave as possible, but completing the crossdeck was the priority.
The USS George Washington pulled out of San Diego with CVW-5 embarked on 21 August, starting a new chapter for both units. HS-14 flew aboard that afternoon, and following a Blue Water Certification and workups over the next couple weeks, the GW began its trek west. The following month consisted of heavy flight operations for HS-14. The goal was to get CVW-5 and the George Washington Air Department working together as a cohesive team. The GW Strike Group pulled into Yokosuka on 25 September, with HS-14 Helos providing channel guard services for the carrier. CVW-5 remained embarked for the 5 day "port visit".
2008 Fall Cruise began on 30 September. HS-14 left a CSAR detachment back aboard NAF Atsugi for the month of October. Along with Detachment B, the composite detachment managed to qualify several pilots and aircrew in CSAR Syllabus. HS-14's main body continued to provide ASW and SAR service to USS George Washington as the Strike Group visited Pusan, South Korea, and Guam. Following the Guam port visit, Detachment A left GW to embark guided-missile cruiser Cowpens, while Detachment B departed Japan aboard USS Lassen (DDG-82). Both ships joined the GW Strike Group for ANNUALEX 20G, an exercise involving US and Japanese surface, subsurface, and air units. During the exercise, HS-14 provided round the clock ASW coverage, with GW based helos covering days and detachment helos covering nights. The squadron scored numerous submarine kills, helping to validate the detachment concept. HS-14 and CVW-5 returned to Atsugi on 21 November, marking nearly nine months of underway time for the air wing in 2008.
Read more about this topic: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Fourteen