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Hawaii's "Easy Riders" fly back from Iraq
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 2004319163841
Story by Sgt. Alexis R. Mulero
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay(March 19. 2004) -- After six months of being the "Eagle in the Sky" for the tactical defense of Expeditionary Strike Group 1, 25 Sailors and two SH-60B Seahawks that make-up Detachment 1 of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 returned home, March 11.
The "EasyRiders" had been deployed in the western Pacific in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the Guided Missile Cruiser USS Port Royal, which was part of the Navy's first-ever Expeditionary Strike Group.
"The ESGs are centered on the capability of the Amphibious Readiness Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit, and adds the strike, anti-air, anti-surface and anti-subsurface capabilities of a cruiser, destroyer, frigate and attack submarine," said Lt. j.g. Jennifer Hardman, Public Affairs Officer for HSL-37. "The groups are designed to enable the United States to conduct shaping operations in the global war on terrorism."
During the deployment, the "EasyRiders" conducted more than 700 mishap-free day and night flight hours that included more than 83 hours in support of OIF and more than 75 hours in support of Maritime Interdiction Operations.
"The detachment served as an extension of the horizon for the ship," said Hardman. "They provided the first line of defense by using equipment such as RADAR [radio detection and ranging] to paint a larger tactical picture for the ships."
The Detachment also patrolled international waters in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Horn of Africa, to deter the transport of terrorist personnel and equipment - seizing several vessels including a drug-smuggling dhow, its 15 crew members aboard, and 2,800 tons of hashish.
"Their operations brought them to the front lines of the global war on terrorism," said Cmdr. Pat Molenda, the squadron's executive officer. "An operational highlight occurred on New Year's Eve when the detachment played a key role in taking down [the] drug smuggling dhow that was later determined to have links with the Al Qaeda Terror Network."
Staying true to their command's philosophy of "Optimum Readiness through the Strength of our People," the Sailors that comprise Detachment 1 proved through their accomplishments that they are one of the Navy's finest squadrons, said Hardman.
"Our number one priority has always been providing combat-ready detachments, ready to fight and to win our nation's wars," said Cmdr. David T. Fisher, commanding officer, HSL-37. "This end is achieved only when we continually care for and improve upon our most valuable asset - our people."
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