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HSM-72

{{Use American English|date=February 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}

{{Infobox military unit

|unit_name= Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72 (HSM-72)

| image= HSM 72 Logo.png

| image_size = 200

|caption= HSM-72 Proud Warriors Insignia

|dates= 5 October 1984 - present

|country= {{flag|United States of America}}

|branch= {{nowrap|File:United States Department of the Navy Seal.svg United States Navy}}

|type= Navy Helicopter Squadron

|role= Surface Warfare (SUW)
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

|command_structure= CVW-1

|garrison= NAS Jacksonville

|nickname= "Proud Warriors"

|motto= "Principled, Disciplined, Confident"

|colors= Red and Blue

|mascot= Native American Indian

|battles=Global War on Terror
Operation Prosperity Guardian
Operation Poseidon Archer

|current_commander= Commander John G. Zilai

}}

HSM-72 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven-Two, also known as Proud Warriors is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Proud Warriors are a part of Carrier Air Wing One and deploy aboard {{USS|Harry S. Truman|CVN-75}}.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ccsg8.navy.mil/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-06-12 |archive-date=2015-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608010920/http://www.ccsg8.navy.mil/ |url-status=dead }} The squadron was established as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty Two (HSL-42) on 5 October 1984

File:HSL-42_insignia.jpg

Mission

The squadron employs the MH-60R multi-mission helicopter. Primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW), Command, Control, Communications (CCC), Command and Control (C2) Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL).{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/MH60R/index.html |title=MH-60R |website=www.lockheedmartin.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019123151/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/MH60R/index.html |archive-date=2007-10-19}}

Transition from HSL-42

HSL-42 was redesignated HSM-72 on 15 January 2013 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The change reflected their transition from employing the SH-60B to the MH-60R, as well as from a detachment-based, expeditionary squadron to its realignment in support of a carrier air wing. As part of this transition, then-HSL-42 relocated to NAS Jacksonville from their previous home of Naval Station Mayport.{{fact|date=February 2024}}

=History=

In late September 2024, HSM-72 and their MH-60Rs departed the US as part of CVW-1 on a scheduled deployment aboard the {{USS|Harry S. Truman|CVN-75}}.

Following multiple exercises with European militaries, HSM-72 and CVW-1 were ordered to operate in the Red Sea in defense of international shipping lanes and Israel against Houthi/Iran proxy military unit attacks from Yemen. HSM-72 and CVW-1 arrived in the CENTCOM AOR in mid December 2024 with combat operations against the Houthis/Iranians commencing upon arrival to the Red Sea.

Airstrikes were undertaken against the Houthis/Iranians for much of the later half of December 2024 through April 2025. Strikes against the Houthis/Iranian proxy military units in Yemen increased significantly following March 15, 2025, with HSM-72 and CVW-1 conducting increased sorties on a larger set of enemy targets.

Awards

See also

References

{{reflist}}

External links

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20140302054135/http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/hsm72/Pages/default.aspx HSM-72 Official Website]

{{US Navy navbox}}

{{United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:HSM-72}}

Category:Helicopter maritime strike squadrons of the United States Navy

Category:1984 establishments in the United States