Command History
Command History:
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 was established October 1, 2021, at Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida. The "Valkyries" of HSM-50 consist of six combat ready detachments and necessary support personnel that deploy under an expeditionary construct aboard United States Naval cruisers, destroyers and littoral combat ships. They maintain and fight the MH-60R Seahawk Multi-mission Helicopter supporting independent deployers, Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Groups operations around the globe.
HSM-50 achieved its first flight April 20, 2022, and was formally commissioned November 18, 2022. During the “standup” process, HSM-50 achieved certifications in Maintenance, Search and Rescue, and Warfighting proficiency in Surface and Sub-Surface mission sets.
During its illustrious history, the Valkyries executed deployed operations from the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of America and into the Eastern Pacific in support of U.S. European, U.S. Northern and U.S. Southern command tasking. Valkyrie deployed detachments have recovered over $1.2B in illicit substances while executing the Counter Illicit Trafficking mission in conjunction with our U.S. Coast Guard partners.
The Valkyries stand ever ready to support global tasking while upholding the highest traditions and core values of the United States Navy. They consistently demonstrate a level of expertise and professionalism both abroad and state-side, making HSM-50 the premier east coast Maritime Strike expeditionary squadron.
Awards:
- 2023 Golden Anchor Award: The Golden Anchor Award recognizes an organization’s ability to retain sailors in the military.
- 2024 Golden Wrench Award: The U.S. Navy Golden Wrench Award is an annual award that recognizes squadrons for their maintenance excellence.
- 2024 ANA Helicopter Aviation Award: The ANA Helicopter Aviation Award recognizes individuals or units that have significantly contributed to the safety or capability of helicopter aviation.
- 2025 HSMWL Expeditionary Battle Efficiently Award Winner: Recognizes the premier Expeditionary HSM Squadron for warfighting excellence
- 2025 Captain Arnold J. Isabell Award: Recognizes the premier HSM squadron for tactical proficiency in Anti-Submarine Warfare
Timeline:
- October 1, 2021 – HSM-50 established
- April 20, 2022 – First flight of an MH-60R at HSM-50
- Nov. 18, 2022 – HSM-50 Commissioning Ceremony
- October 2023 – March 2024- First operational deployment of HSM-50.2 aboard USS Farragut (DDG 99) with a hull swap to USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in February 2024. The return to homeport occurred in March 2024
- May 2024 – June 2024 - 50.3 Deployed aboard the USS Truxtun, participating in Operation Atlantic Shield and Operation Sandpiper.
- June 2024 - January 2025 – 50.4 deployed aboard the USS Saint Louis in U.S. 4th Fleet. The return to homeport occurred in January 2025.
- January 2025 – April 2025 – 50.1 deployed aboard the USS Thomas Hudner in the U.S. 2nd, 4th, and 6th Fleets Participating in exercise Formidable Shield and Operation Cobalt Shield.
- February 2025 – April 2025 – HSM-50.5 Deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet aboard USS Normandy participating in Operation Martillo
- April 2025 – November 2025 – 50.3 deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet aboard the USS Minneapolis St. Paul to the 4th Fleet AOR participating in Operation Southern Spear and Operation Martillo.
- August 2025 – October 2025 – 50.5 deployed aboard USS St. Louis to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of operation Atlantic Watch.
- September 2025 – TBD – 50.1 deployed aboard USS Thomas Hudner to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of exercise UNITAS 2025 and Operation Southern Spear.
2023-2025 Operations:
- Operation Atlantic Fortress
- Operation Sandpiper
- Operation Atlantic Shield
- Operation Silver Arrow
- Operation Caribbean Shield
- Blackwidow Aug 2024
- Aug 2024 Nautical Twilight
- UNITAS 2024
- Formidable Shield 2025
- Cobalt Shield
- Operation Martillo
- Operation Atlantic Watch
- UNITAS 2025
- Operation Southern Spear
- Submarine Commanders Course 84