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Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 Change of Command Ceremony

by MC3 Bailey
14 April 2021
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 held a fly-over change of command ceremony while deployed onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), April 14, in the Arabian Sea.

HSC-7, also known as the Dusty Dogs is a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron based out of Naval Station Norfolk. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and currently deployed aboard Ike as Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 2.

During the at-sea ceremony, Cmdr. Chad Upright was relieved by Cmdr. Kevin Chambley.

Continuing Upright’s vision for the squadron, Chambley intends to finish the Dusty Dog’s deployment with safety and mission accomplishment at the forefront. These have been the top priorities for both Upright and Chambley. During Upright’s commanding officer tour, the Dusty Dogs completed a record-breaking deployment and another workup cycle in preparation for their current deployment.

“It has been the highlight of my career to be the commanding officer of the Dusty Dogs,” said Upright. “I am in awe of how hard this team worked to maintain readiness and meet the demands of back-to-back deployments. We could not be where we are today without the love and support of our families at home. The Dusty Dogs have proven time and time again that they are ready to meet any challenge.”

A native from Tannersville, Pennsylvania, Upright entered the Navy in 2001, after graduating from the United States Naval Academy and commissioning as an Ensign. Upright wished Chambley the best as he turned over the reins of HSC-7.

“Cmdr. Chambley has been an outstanding Executive Officer,” said Upright. “I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to work with him. I am excited to see him take the Dusty Dogs to the next level; together they will do great things for our Nation.”
 
Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Chambley graduated from Longwood University in 2002, and commissioned as an Ensign in the same year after completing OCS.  

“Skipper Upright led this squadron through two arduous deployments in a challenging operation environment,” said Chambley. “I’m grateful to have served as his Executive Officer, for the absolute dedication he showed the Dusty Dogs, and for the sacrifices he and his entire family have made. Having spent a previous tour as a Dusty Dog, HSC-7 is a special place to my family. I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to serve as the Dusty Dog’s Commanding Officer.”

HSC-7 is a direct report to Commander, Carrier Air Wing 3. The primary missions of HSC-7 are Maritime Attack, Combat Logistics, Personnel Recover, Naval Special Warfare support, and Search and Rescue (SAR).

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

 
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