Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Fourteen - A WESTPAC Original

A WESTPAC Original

Flying with the call sign "Lightning," HS-14 is a member of Carrier Air Wing FIVE, stationed at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan and is attached to the USS George Washington. HS-14 is under the administrative control of the Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific Fleet. The squadron is unique in that it is the largest Helicopter Anti-Submarine squadron in the US Navy, with 34 officers, 250 enlisted personnel, and 12 helicopters. Typical HS squadrons have 24 officers, 200 enlisted, and 7 or 8 helicopters.

Like conventional HS Squadrons, HS-14's primary mode of operation is from the carrier. However, the Chargers have grown roughly 150% in order to simultaneously support two Anti-submarine warfare detachments spread among the air capable ships of the USS George Washington strike group whilst still providing first class service to the carrier. The Detachment A "The Chosen Ones" and Detachment B "The SwineBusters" are flexible anti-submarine units that further enhance the capabilities of the USS George Washington Strike Group. In the past year, Det A and B have gone underway on several ships, providing enhanced ASW coverage and flexibility to their host platforms.