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 five 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 Mult-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 Tactical Proficiency leading to its current mission sending combat ready MH-60R detachments to sea.
During its brief but illustrious history, the Valkyries have conducted deployment operations from the North Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea and into the Eastern Pacific in support of U.S. Northern and U.S. Southern command tasking. Valkyrie deployed detachments have recovered over $400M in illicit substances while executing the Counter Illicit Trafficking mission on 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.
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 Truxton, participating in Operation Atlantic Shield and Operation Sandpiper.
- June 2024 - January 2025 – Task Force 50.4 deployed aboard the USS Saint Louis in U.S. 4th Fleet. The return to homeport occurred in January 2025.
2023-2024 Operations
- Operation Atlantic Fortress
- Detachment Three
- Operation Sandpiper
- Detachment Three
- Operation Atlantic Shield
- Detachment Three
- Operation Silver Arrow
- Detachment Three
- Operation Caribbean Shield
- Detachment Two and Four
- Blackwidow Aug 2024
- Detachment One
- Aug 2024 Nautical Twilight
- Detachment One
- UNITAS 2024
- Detachment Four