Command History

The “Jaguars” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60 was established on 01 April 2001 at Naval Station (NS) Mayport, Florida, as the Atlantic Coast’s first reserve anti-submarine squadron. The command consisted of 127 full time support (FTS), 136 selected reservists (SELRES), and 8 active component (AC) Sailors with 5 Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk helicopters assigned to meet worldwide deployable tasking for fleet and strike group commanders.

The squadron’s mission is to provide operational support, strategic depth, and surge force capability to the HSL community. Utilizing the USW and SUW capabilities of the LAMPS MK III SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, the Jaguars deployed to detect, classify, identify, and target both surface and sub-surface threats within their given area of responsibility.

Jaguar detachments were typically tasked to deploy independently aboard USS frigates, destroyers, and cruisers, bringing with it a wide breadth of experience and capability due to the seniority of the Jaguar wardroom and aircrew shop. As a reserve component, the Jaguars provide their commanders the capability to deploy pilots and aircrew that are highly experienced, capable, and prepared to execute the full gamut of operational capabilities of the SH-60B. Conducting operations in the Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility, the Jaguars successfully executed over 7,000 operational mishap free flight hours in support of surface, sub-surface, counter-drug, and search and rescue missions.

On 01 July 2015, HSL-60 was re-designated to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 60 and shifted home station from NS Mayport to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. HSM-60 continues to be the only reserve arm of the MH-60R Seahawk fleet force, providing its operational commanders with immediate surge force capability to meet tactical missions world-wide.