[MilCom] socal JTFEX

[josh_75 at earthlink.net]

 HSL-45 Incorporates With ESG 5, Completes JTFEX
Story Number: NNS060823-03
Release Date: 8/23/2006 12:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ashley Hickman


Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 45 concluded
its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) Aug.
16 in preparation for its upcoming deployment with Expeditionary Strike
Group (ESG) 5.

HSL-45 is a light airborne multipurpose system (LAMPS) capable squadron.
Their primary mission is providing wide range surveillance for the strike
group.

"JTFEX is a culmination of everything we’ve done during our previous
workups,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Philbert Wiggan. “We
train so we can be combat ready for the long cruise.”

HSL-45 has been operating aboard Bunker Hill throughout the summer
participating in ESG integration and its composite training exercise.

“Our job is to be the eyes of the strike group,” said Lt. Tarek Elmasry,
HSL-45’s administrative officer. “Using our radar, we provide surface
surveillance, which gives the strike group the entire battle picture.”

SH-60B Seahawks extend the range of a ship’s radar by more than 100
nautical miles, adding to their warfighting capability.

“I’ve been working with HSL-45 for some 15 years on about four different
ships,” said Bunker Hill Commanding Officer, Capt. Charles Gaouette. “They
are fantastic. You could not have effective surface ships without LAMPS
helicopters.”

ESG 5 is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 5, 15th Marine
Expeditionary Unit, USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Greenville
(SSN 772), USS Comstock (LSD 45), Bunker Hill, USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS
Howard (DDG 83), USCG Midgett (WHEC-726) and HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. 

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