HSC = SAR/CSAR, logistics (internal and vertrep) and, with the advent of armed helo, ASuW. Lots of utility stuff, i.e., the admiral needs to go visit the battle group - you take him around. Some NSW stuff, but we don't actually do it. Lots of practice, though. Coming soon - 2012 is the latest date I've heard - is MIW (mine warfare).
HSM = ASW, ASuW, some NSW stuff, being a sensor platform, etc.
If you want to work "specops," finagle your way to HSC-84 or the 160th. If you want to play "specops," both communities offer chances to do that.
Two questions. From some other threads, it's apparent that 84 is a reserve squadron and not available for a first tour def, possibly only in the reserves. What would be the proper platform/squadron progression (assuming you're lucky) to get to HSC-84?
the Romeo is not likely to be carrying your seals they have very little room in the back. Sierras have lots of room they don't have all the sensors and electronics that the Romeo does
You get out. I know there are former Marine pilots there, so I'd say a Navy guy isn't entirely unheard of.How does a navy pilot fly for 160th? Isn't that the Army' SOAR regiment?
You get out. I know there are former Marine pilots there, so I'd say a Navy guy isn't entirely unheard of.
There are still distinctions between old HS and old HC squadrons, except they're now called HSC(expeditionary) and HSC(CVW). As I understand it, HSC(CVW) squadrons are being outfitted with block IIIs exclusively when they transition to the 60S. HSC(exp) has been and will continue to fly Block Is and IIs until there are enough block IIIs to go around. There's also a distinction between block III aircraft and block III aircraft with the armed helo kit.How is the MH-60S Block III going to be distributed among the squadrons? Or is there going to be "special" squadrons that fly nothing but the Blk IIIs?
I've heard them called "bat wings" and they, along with the FLIR, the AMCM package and internal aux tanks are modular and can be removed as needed.Also, are those sponsons that hold the rails/launchers detachable? Obviously the rails come off but what about the entire getup? Seems for the realistic day to day mission of VERTREPS/SAR/Plane Guard those things just aren't necessary.
There's also a distinction between block III aircraft and block III aircraft with the armed helo
I was with HSM-41 last summer for 1/C cruise. I flew with 41 and 71 pilots, they are all pretty cool. The Romeo is an awesome platform (in my opinion) as it can do all kinds of electronic stuff. On cruise I got about 25 hours (mostly back seat) in the Romeo and Bravos.
No one mentioned the differences between Rs and Bs. Bravo's have MAD hanging on the right side, sonobouy launcher on the left side, ECMs are "flat looking". Whereas the Romeo has no MAD or sonobouy launcher, but it can having a dipping SONAR installed underneath, a glass cockpit, ECM has more precision with the sensors coming out to a 90 degree angle (looking foreward/back and left/right). [not sure what the technical term is, a Romeo pilot can correct me] Both have radar underneath, FLIR up front, and small door on right side. Romeos will eventually replace all Bs and Fs, and will be deployed to carriers and small ships (already there).
How many armed blk III a/c will be out there? I take it they will go CVN and not be a wasted asset on a USNS ship doing VERTREPS?
Something to keep in mind is that things have changed over the last few years, both with the "enemy" being deposed (no more real embargo in the Gulf) as well as the Navy pulling back a lot of its helo assets to the ship. While there used to be more shore dets, specifically for the HS dudes, that's been reduced, probably because Navy Rotary was getting too productive.
Got something against the vital VERTREP mission?
Too productive?
It was sarcasm. Just when (regular) Navy Rotary thinks it's doing something productive, the "man" pulls them back to do Starboard D/SSC/etc.
What is the difference between the block I/II and the block III? For some reason I thought all block III were the armed helo. I now assume its mainly software and computer stuff.
How many armed blk III a/c will be out there? I take it they will go CVN and not be a wasted asset on a USNS ship doing VERTREPS? It seems "cool" for a lack of a better word but another one of those things that will never get used. Hopefully it will though.