HSL-44 deploys people and helicopters to all corners of the globe.  An SH-60B detachment typically consists of 5-6 pilots, 2-3 aircrewmen, and 15-20 maintenance personnel who forward deploy aboard smaller ships such as cruisers, destroyers, and frigates.  These detachments are entirely self-contained and self-supporting -- all weapons and equipment are staged aboard the ship and remain at the ready should the mission require it.

 

The Swamp Foxes of HSL-44 have distinguished themselves time and time again in the world's most challenging environments.  Our detachments can be found in the Persian Gulf supporting U.S. forces in Iraq, throughout the Mediterranean Sea exercising with foreign navies and visiting host countries, off the Horn of Africa (HOA) conducting anti-piracy operations, and in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean supporting counter-narcotics operations.  

Recently, the Swamp Foxes flew hundreds of flight hours in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and were credited with rescuing dozens of personnel.  Suffice it to say, HSL-44 is always on the "tip of the spear," wherever our services are needed.  

 

Our missions are varied, and our capabilities are many.  With primary missions of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), SH-60B aircrews are equipped and trained to detect and engage enemy submarines with Mk-46 or Mk-50 torpedoes or classify and neutralize enemy surface combatants with the AGM-114 Hellfire missile.  Additionally, our aircrewmen are fully qualified rescue swimmers and stand ready to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) or Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations on a moment's notice.