HSM-46
Helicopter Maritime Strike Four Six (HSM-46), the "Grandmasters", are a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Station Mayport, Mayport, Florida. HSM-46 deploys aboard cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers in independent operations or in support of strike groups.[1] The squadron was established on 7 April 1988 as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty Six (HSL-46)
| Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six | |
|---|---|
_insignia_2016.png.webp) HSM-46 Insignia | |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Navy Helicopter Squadron |
| Role | Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) Search and Rescue (SAR) Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) Communications Relay (COMREL) |
| Size | 300 |
| Part of | Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Station Mayport |
| Nickname(s) | Grandmasters |
| Motto(s) | Set the standard |
| Colors | |
| Mascot(s) | Knight (chess piece) |
| Anniversaries | Established at Mayport, FL, on April 7, 1988 |
| Engagements | Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom Global War on Terror |
| Website | http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/hsm46/ |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | CDR Chris Richard, USN |
| Executive Officer | CDR Michael O'Neill, USN |
| Command Master Chief | CMDCM(SS/SW) MICHAEL KELLY, USN |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Multirole helicopter | (LAMPS) MARK III MH-60R Seahawk |
Mission
The mission of HSM-46 is to train and support combat-ready detachments for assignment to LAMPS Mk III capable ships of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
The LAMPS program is designed to combine both ship and helicopter weapons systems. The combined systems provide for earlier warning of surface contacts and longer range prosecution of subsurface contacts. In addition to the primary missions of Under Sea Warfare (USW) and Surface Warfare (SUW), the LAMPS MK III helicopter's missions include Search and Rescue, Vertical Replenishment, Medical Evacuation, and Communications Relay. The Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MARK III SH-60B SEAHAWK weapons system was introduced to the fleet in 1984. Although the MH-60R is replacing all SH-60B as the newest maritime patrol helicopter. With mission and flight avionic upgrades to include a dipping sonar and common glass cockpit.
Established at Mayport, FL, on April 7, 1988, HSM-46 currently deploys ten detachments aboard Atlantic Fleet ships. A detachment normally consists of one or two aircraft, five to six pilots, two to three sensor operators, a maintenance chief, and eight to twelve maintenance personnel. A typical "Det" deploys with its assigned ship for six months, with several shorter work-up cruises prior to the long deployment.
The Squadron is directly responsible to Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Transition from HSL-46
HSL-46 was redesignated HSM-46 in March 2012 at Naval Station Mayport.
Commanding Officer
- CDR MICHAEL O'NEILL, USN
Previous Commanding Officer(s):
CDR C. RICHARD, USN
CDR G.A DICKS, USN
CDR M.J. WEAVER, USN
CDR J.P. DUNN, USN
Executive Officer
- CDR MANUEL PARDO, USN
Command Master Chief
- CMDCM(SS/SW) MICHAEL KELLY, USN