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HSM-72 Menu

Command History
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN TWO (HSM-72) was originally established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR TWO (HSL-42) on October 5, 1984, at Naval Station Mayport. For 28 years, Proud Warriors of HSL-42, consisting of 10 combat ready detachments, deployed in an expeditionary construct aboard United States Naval cruisers, destroyers and frigates, flying the SH-60B while supporting independent deployer, Amphibious Ready Group, and Carrier Strike Group operations around the globe. On January 15, 2013, HSL-42 was re-designated HSM-72 and relocated to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, reflecting the squadron’s shift from the SH-60B to the MH-60R, and departure from the expeditionary construct, entering the world of Carrier Air Wing operations.
 
In 2013, Proud Warriors were assigned to Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) and departed on their maiden Carrier Air Wing deployment in November 2015, with Carrier Strike Group EIGHT (CSG-8). In November 2016, HSM-72 transitioned to Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1), remaining in CSG-8 and deployed in support of the USS HARRY S TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group tasking, executing Department of the Navy’s inaugural Dynamic Force Employment operations to the U.S. SECOND and SIXTH Fleet in 2018, with a follow-on deployment in 2019 to the U.S. SIXTH and FIFTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility.
 
In the Carrier Air Wing construct, Proud Warriors are dispersed between the Carrier Element embarked the nuclear aircraft carrier, and three Combat Elements embarked the three Strike Group escort ships. In support of Carrier Strike Group, Combined and Joint Task Forces, United Nations, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations, the MH-60R is utilized to execute the primary mission sets of surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, command and control, and non-combat operations.
 
During an illustrious history, Proud Warriors have conducted deployed operations across the globe, from South America, to the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, off the Horn of Africa, and to the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf. Proud Warriors stand ever-ready to support global tasking, continue to uphold the highest traditions and core values of the United States Navy, and demonstrate a level of expertise and professionalism abroad and State-side, making HSM-72 the premier east coast HSM squadron.

Unit Awards
HSM-72 crews and maintainers have distinguished themselves, they truly set the standard:
 
NAVY Battle "E" Award - 14 TIME AWARD WINNER
The Battle Efficiency "E" is awarded annually to a small number of navy commands to recognize achievement of the highest standards of performance and readiness.
 
SECNAV SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD - 2013
The SECNAV SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD is the Department of the Navy's premier tribute to commands and programs that promote the safety of our Sailors, Marines, and civilians to protect our aircraft, ships, and facilities from mishaps.
 
CNO SAFETY AWARD - 13 TIME AWARD WINNER
The CNO Safety Award is given to recognize operational excellence, exemplary safety contributions, and for overall contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program.
 
USFF GOLDEN ANCHOR FOR RETENTION EXCELLENCE - 13 TIME AWARD WINNER
The Golden Anchor for Retention Excellence is an award given by the United States Department of the Navy for sustaining superior levels of military retention.
 
CNAL ARLEIGH BURKE FLEET TROPHY - 4 TIME AWARD WINNER
The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy is annually awarded to the ship or aircraft squadron from both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets selected for having achieved the greatest improvement in battle efficiency during the calendar year.
 
CNAF SQUADRON BLUE "M" AWARD - 7 TIME AWARD WINNER
The Squadron Blue "M" is awarded for sustained medical readiness. The award is based on a sustained high level of medical readiness, a viable health promotion program, and a stringent medical record audit.
 
CHSMWL TALON AWARD - 9 TIME AWARD WINNER
The Talon Award is awarded for tactical excellence. This award is designed to promote tactical proficiency within the East Coast Helicopter Maritime Strike community.
 
CHSMWL GRAMPAW PETTIBONE AWARD - 2 TIME WINNER
The Grampaw Pettibone Award is presented annually to an individual and an organization that contributed most towards aviation safety awareness via publications.
 
THE CAPTAIN ARNOLD JAY ISBELL TROPHY - 11 TIME AWARD WINNER

The Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy is awarded to recognize superior Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadrons.
 

 
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