HSL-49

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR NINE (HSL-49) is a United States Navy Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter squadron based in San Diego, California.

The Scorpions of HSL-49 are an operational fleet squadron based at NAS North Island. Their tailcode is TX and their radio callsign is "Red Stinger". The squadron provides combat-ready pilots, aircrewmen, technicians, and aircraft to Pacific Fleet warships. The squadron operates the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter (SH-60 Seahawk).

History
HSL-49 was established on March 23, 1990 as the U.S. Navy transitioned the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light community from the SH-2 Seasprite to the SH-60B Seahawk. The Scorpions first deployed in November 1990 with Detachment ONE embarked in USS FORD (FFG 54).

The squadron - then and now - deploys its personnel and aircraft in an expeditionary model. Detachments are led by an Officer-in-Charge, normally a Lieutenant Commander, and typically deploy with one or two helicopters, and a complement of pilots, Naval Aircrewmen, mechanics and technicians.

Detachments embark Arleigh Burke class destroyers, Ticonderoga class cruisers, and Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates in support of Carrier Strike Groups (CSG), Surface Action Groups (SAG), or independent deployed operations. Recent deployed detachments have engaged in missions ranging from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), counter-piracy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR), and Counter-Illicit Trafficking.



Aircraft
Crews from HSL-49 operate the SH−60B Seahawk, a helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft and equipped with two front-drive T700−GE−401C turboshaft engines manufactured by the General Electric Company. The helicopter has fixed landing gear, an external cargo hook, a rescue hoist, and bomb racks for carrying and launching external stores. In addition, it is equipped with a sonobuoy launch system, a Helicopter In−Flight Refueling (HIFR) system, and the necessary avionics and instrumentation for instrument flight and mission accomplishment. The helicopter can operate from a variety of naval ships.

HSL-49 will eventually transition to the MH-60R variant of the Seahawk.



Mission
The SH−60B LAMPS MK III helicopter was designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Navy's sea control mission. Its systems enable it to engage threats ranging from hostile submarines to missile−equipped surface ships. The aircraft's systems extend the search and attack capabilities of configured destroyers, frigates, and cruisers.

Primary Missions
In an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role, Scorpion aircrews use radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD), sonobuoys, and ship sensors to localize, classify, track, and if necessary attack when a submarine has been detected. Aircraft can be equipped with various different torpedoes for the mission.

In an Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) role, Scorpion aircrews observe, identify, and localize threat platforms using radar, ESM, and FLIR. When a suspected threat is detected, data can be provided to the parent ship for surface−to−surface weapon engagement. Aircraft equipped with Hellfire missiles (AGM-114) may conduct independent or coordinated attacks. The SH-60B can also be equipped with the GAU-16/A (.50 caliber) and M240D (7.62 mm) crew served machine guns.



Secondary Missions
Vertical Replenishment - In the VERTREP mission, the aircraft is able to transfer material between ships, or between ship and shore.

Search and Rescue - In the SAR mission, the aircraft is designed to search for and locate a particular target/object/ship or plane and to rescue personnel using the rescue hoist.

Medical Evacuation - In the MEDEVAC mission, the aircraft provides for the medical evacuation of patients.

Communications Relay - In the COMREL mission, the aircraft relays communications between units.

Naval Surface Fire Support - In the NSFS mission, the aircraft provides a platform for spotting and controlling naval gunfire from surface ships.



Command Master Chiefs
Under construction.