JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 are returning home to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Sunday following a nearly nine-month deployment.
Over the course the deployment, HSM-70 participated in multiple bilateral and NATO exercises including exercise Sage Wolverine, Operation Orthanc and Neptune Strike. They also operated closely with NATO submarines in the Mediterranean Sea.
The squadron flew over 6,400 flight hours, expended 72,492 rounds of ammunition, dropped 645 sonobuoys, and deployed and tracked nine MK-39 expendable mobile anti-submarine warfare training targets. Following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, the squadron and CSG-12 provided critical support to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to prevent any escalation of hostilities in the region. HSM-70 earned the “Battle E” award for sustained proficiency and readiness in an operational environment.
Following a four-week training unit exercise, HSM-70 deployed on May 2, 2023, with Carrier Air Wing 8, aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. Additionally, two combat elements consisting of 30 Sailors, six pilots and two helicopters were deployed aboard USS Normandy and USS Thomas Hudner.
"I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of the men and women of Sparta,” HSM-70 Cmdr. Brian Crosby said. “Their dedication to the mission and each other is absolutely awe inspiring. They were challenged each day and rose to the challenge at every opportunity. We are excited to finally take some hard-earned time to relax and recharge with our families.”