![]() ![]() In October 1988, the first HM-15 detachment deployed to NAS North Island to conduct minesweeping operations. In July 1988, the squadron successfully completed a Mine Warfare Readiness Certification Inspection (MRCI) and in August achieved Initial Operating Capability. By June, the squadron had developed requisite proficiency in all mission areas and was selected by the Chief of Naval Operations to perform operational flight support for Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force for Follow-on Test and Evaluation of the MH-53E helicopter. In December, the squadron disassembled and loaded two MH-53E helicopters into a USAF C-5A Galaxy aircraft, certifying the MH-53E air transport capability for the Navy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.įrom January through June of 1988, squadron flight and ground training continued to focus heavily on AMCM operations using the AN/AQS-14 Side Scan Sonar Minehunting System and the MK-103 Mechanical Moored Minesweeping System. November 1987 marked a major flight training milestone for HM-15 as initial AMCM flight training commenced, employing the MK-105 Magnetic Influence Minesweeping System (Hydrofoil), the MK-104 Acoustic Minesweeping System and the AN/SPU-1W Shallow Water Magnetic Influence Minesweeping System. On 28 September 1987, three squadron aircraft departed NAS Norfolk and arrived at NAS Alameda on 1 October 1987, officially reporting for duty under operational and administrative control of Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Wing, U.S. The Blackhawks of HM-15 began initial squadron flight operations in July 1987, with the receipt of their first MH-53E, and continued in Norfolk through September 1987. On 21 April 1987, HM-15 was ordered by the Chief of Naval Operations to execute a duty station change from Norfolk, VA, to Naval Air Station Alameda, CA effective 1 October 1987. As the first of two deployable airborne mine countermeasures squadrons to receive the Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, a derivative of the RH-53D and CH-53E helicopters, HM-15 began transition ground and fight training in Norfolk, VA. Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen was established on 2 January 1987. Nicknamed the "Blackhawks", it is staffed by both active duty and reserve personnel. HM-15 is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The mission of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15) is to maintain a world-wide 72 hour Airborne Mine Countermeasures rapid deployment posture and a 4 aircraft forward-deployed Airborne Mine Countermeasures and Vertical On-Board Delivery capability in the Arabian Gulf as part of Task Force 52. Initial findings from a subsequent assessment showed that Commander Santoski failed to strictly enforce appropriate operational, maintenance and safety standards and that she failed to ensure a proper command climate. These actions came after a fatal crash of one of the Squadron's MH-53E helicopters on 19 July 2012 and another incident on 22 August 2012. Anderson was also relieved of his duties as the Squadron's command master chief due to unsatisfactory performance. On 1 September 2012, Captain Paul Esposito, commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic (HSCWINGLANT), relieved Commander Sara Santoski, commanding officer of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen, due to loss of confidence in Santoski's ability to command. Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15) ![]()
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