HSM-74 deploys people and helicopters to all corners of the globe in support of a Carrier Air Wing. As part of Carrier Air Wing Three, HSM-74 deploys aboard aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and frigates.
The Swamp Foxes of HSM-74 have distinguished themselves time and time again in the world's most challenging environments. While still operating the SH-60B Seahawk and known as HSL-44, the squadron could be found day and night, 24 hours a day, year round operating in support of US interests, from the Persian Gulf supporting US Forces in Iraq, throughout the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas exercising with foreign navies and visiting host countries, off the Horn of Africa conducting anti-piracy operations, in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean supporting counter-narcotic operations, and on call to provide humanitarian relief and disaster assistance.
In recent years the Swamp Foxes flew hundreds of flight hours in support of the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina rescuing dozens of personnel, and more recently the earthquake in Haiti, delivering food, water, and supplies to the region. HSM-74 has always been and will continue to be "Tip of the Spear".
Our missions are varied and our capabilities many. Our primary mission areas are Subsurface Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW). The MH-60R and its combat crew is equipped, trained, and ready to detect and engage enemy submarines with the MK-46 or Mk-50 torpedo, or to classify and neutralize enemy surface combatants using its multiple onboard sensors and AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles. Our Aircrewman stand alert with the M240 and GAU-16 crew-served machine guns, and are fully qualified rescue swimmers, ready to conduct Search and Rescue and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) on a moment's notice.
The variety of our missions and our ability to rapidly respond when called is reflective of the high quality individuals that comprise HSM-74.