JAX AIR NEWS, NASJACKSONVILLE, Thursday, May 27, 2010 9

 'D u sty An HS-7 helicopter conducts operations off USS Harry S. Truman. The squadron is deploying for the next
 seven to eight months on board the ship and will then transition to their new homeport in Norfolk, Va.

Dogs' well


prepared for


deployment

By Lt. j.g. John Betza
HS 7 PAO
 H S-7 has completed an unprec-
 edented workup cycle and
 are more than ready for their
upcoming cruise.
 Embarked on board USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN-75) as a member of
Carrier Air Wing Three, the "Dusty
Dogs" are scheduled to depart Norfolk,
Va. in May for a seven to eight-month
deployment in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Photo courtesy of HS7
Freedom.
 The embarked helicopter squadron plays a crucial role .--' ,,
in carrier operations by providing close-in defense against Z
surface ships and submarines as well as logistical and
search and rescue support for the entire battle group.
 Originally scheduled to depart in late 2009, HS-7 has ,
responded to several schedule changes and has main-
tained a high state of pre-deployment readiness during
this prolonged period. "The Dusty Dogs are trained and
ready to execute!" says Cmdr. Larry McCullen, HS-7's
commanding officer. "Now that we have a firm schedule
for cruise, it's time to get out there and get it done."
 As a result of the extra training, HS-7 has reached peak
readiness levels through multiple trips to Naval Strike and
Air Warfare Center in Fallon, Nev. and Atlantic Undersea
Test and Evaluation Center in Andros Town, Bahamas,
in addition to numerous exercises on board USS Harry S.
Truman. Their hard work and dedication have resulted
in several awards and commendations, which include the
2009 Safety "S" for excellence in flight safety and the 2009
Arnold J. Isbell trophy for excellence in anti-submarine
and anti-surface warfare.
 HS-7's deployment will mark the end of the command's
time as an active HS squadron. Upon their return from
cruise, HS-7 will be re-designated HSC-7 as they relocate r
from Jacksonville, Fla. to Norfolk, Va. and transition to
the new and improved MH-60S.
 "It's an exciting time to be a Dusty Dog," said McCullen.
"Not only do we get a chance to go out and show people
what HS-7 can do, but we will enjoy the challenges and
opportunities that come with transitioning to a new air-
craft and mission set. The next few months will be chal-
lenging, but through our training and determination, HS-7
will be ready for anything that comes our way.


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