The History of HSL-49
Helicopter Anti-Submarine
Squadron Light FOUR NINE (HSL-49), located at Naval Air Station North Island,
San Diego, California, is one of seven Pacific Fleet Light Airborne
Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III Squadrons. The "Scorpions" of
HSL-49 were established on March 23, 1990. The squadron flies the world's most
technically advanced helicopter, the SH 60B SEAHAWK, and has a complement of
approximately 45 Officers and 180 Sailors.
The "Scorpions"
first deployment began in November 1990 with Detachment ONE deploying aboard
USS FORD (FFG 54). During Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM and most
recently IRAQI FREEDOM, HSL49 detachments demonstrate the true versatility of
the LAMPS MK III weapon system and the SEAHAWK helicopter as an anti-surface,
mine search and multi-mission combat strike aircraft. HSL49 continues to excel
in the LAMPS community by providing detachments to ships in support of Strike
Group Operations, Counter Drug Operations and Maritime Interdiction Operations.
HSL-49 has distinguished
itself in the LAMPS community and in rotary wing aviation throughout the past
20 years. The SCORPIONS were awarded the 1996 Arnold J. Isbell trophy for
Undersea Warfare excellence, the 1995 and 2001 Sikorsky Award for the most improved
maintenance program, and the 1995 Meritorious Unit Commendation award. In 1999,
HSL-49 was given the Aviation Safety Award for maintaining an outstanding
record of aircraft safety. For outstanding precision for putting ordinance on
target, HSL 49 was awarded the COMHSLWINGPAC TOP TORPEDO Award in 1995 and
2001. In 2002, HSL-49 was awarded the Lockheed Martin Superior Maintenance
award for exceptional performance in Rotary Wing Maintenance.
Throughout the last several
years, HSL-49 has continued to excel in areas that have been vital to the
completion of critical fleet operations which have led to numerous accolades
including the 2003 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award, 2004 Top Torpedo
Award, 2006 Retention Excellence Award, and the 2008 Capt A. J. Isbell
Trophy. In 2009, the SCORPIONS were
recognized not only for their ability to maintain an operationally fit
squadron, but for their commitment to safety on and off the job. For this they
were awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award and the
Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Award.
As we lean toward the future,
HSL-49 is reflecting on its commission as it celebrates its 20th
year in operation. With over 72,000
total flight hours, HSL-49 continues to sustain operational excellence through
their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication.