Helicopter Anti - Submarine Squadron Fourteen Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron One Four ( HSC - 14 ) Currently flying the MH - 60S Knighthawk . They are Currently based at Naval Air Station North Island , California A WESTPAC original . Flying with the call sign " Lightning , " HS - 14 is a member of Carrier Air Wing FIVE , stationed at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi , Japan and is attached to the USS George Washington . HS - 14 is under the administrative control of the Commander , Helicopter Sea Combat Wing , Pacific Fleet . The squadron is unique in that it is the largest Helicopter Anti - Submarine squadron in the US Navy , with 34 officers , 250 enlisted personnel , and 12 helicopters . Typical HS squadrons have 24 officers , 200 enlisted , and 7 or 8 helicopters . Like conventional HS Squadrons , HS - 14 ' s primary mode of operation is from the carrier . However , the Chargers have grown roughly 150 % in order to simultaneously support two Anti - submarine warfare detachments spread among the air capable ships of the USS George Washington strike group whilst still providing first class service to the carrier . The Detachment A " The Chosen Ones " and Detachment B " The SwineBusters " are flexible anti - submarine units that further enhance the capabilities of the USS George Washington Strike Group . In the past year , Det A and B have gone underway on several ships , providing enhanced ASW coverage and flexibility to their host platforms . Mission areas . The Chargers currently fly the SH - 60F and HH - 60H Seahawk helicopters built by Sikorsky in Stratford , Connecticut . The SH - 60 Seahawk is an all - weather , day and night multi - mission helicopter . The primary missions of the squadron are to detect , localize , and destroy enemy submarines and small surface vessels in the Anti - submarine warfare ( ASW ) and Anti - Surface Warfare ( ASUW ) roles . Additionally , the squadron is trained and equipped to conduct Search and rescue ( SAR ) , MEDEVAC , Combat Search and Rescue ( CSAR ) , Naval Special Warfare operations ( NSW ) , Anti - ship Missile Defense ( ASMD ) and Fleet Logistics support , including VERTREP . Command history . HS - 14 was established on 10 July 1984 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego , California and originally flew the Sikorsky SH - 3H " Sea King " helicopter . Assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO from 1984 to 1993 , the Chargers deployed aboard the USS Ranger ( CV - 61 ) . In 1989 , while deployed off the coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea , HS - 14 participated in one of the largest rescue operations ever by a deployed helicopter squadron when they rescued 37 Vietnamese refugees who were trapped aboard a foundering boat . In 1991 , HS - 14 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm . During Desert Storm , the Chargers participated in an operation that resulted in the capture of four Iraqi commandos on a small island off the coast of Kuwait . Additionally , HS - 14 played an important role in the destruction of one Iraqi gunboat and two anti - shipping mines . In 1992 , the squadron deployed in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH to the Northern Persian Gulf and to the coast of Somalia in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE . In December 1992 , the squadron surged to support the first eleven days of Operation RESTORE HOPE with such determination and efficiency that the operational commander wrote , " without HS - 14 , the first ten days of RESTORE HOPE simply could not have happened . " In May 1993 , the squadron moved 175 men and women , seven aircraft , and all their support equipment from San Diego to Mayport , Florida in four days . The cross - country move was executed to embark on board the USS Constellation ( CV - 64 ) for her transit around South America to San Diego . During this transit , the squadron participated in coordinated ASW with several South American navies . In October 1993 , the Chargers began the transition from the Sea King to the Seahawk helicopter . Soon afterward , military downsizing dictated the decommissioning of HS - 12 , a sister squadron in Japan . For HS - 14 , this meant an accelerated transition schedule and training program to complete a homeport change to Atsugi , Japan by October 1994 . The squadron ' s progress in this endeavor was rewarded with a personal visit from then Chief of Naval Operations , Admiral Frank B . Kelso . HS - 14 executed back - to - back deployments to the Persian Gulf in 1998 and 1999 , participating in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH . Additionally , the squadron began its annual participation in the bilateral exercises FOAL EAGLE and ANNUALEX . In 1998 , the Chargers made the their permanent sea - based home , traveling to Hawaii aboard the USS Independence ( CV - 62 ) in July for the complicated cross - deck move . In early 2002 , the Chargers played a role in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan by deploying a detachment on board USS " Kitty Hawk " . During this deployment , " Kitty Hawk " served as a mobile staging base for elite U . S . Army special operations units . In March 2003 , as the situation in Iraq escalated , HS - 14 and " Kitty Hawk " received orders to participate in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM . The Chargers were assigned to provide an NSW capability to forward operating bases in support of SEAL operations . The squadron also affected the recovery of a CVW - 5 strike fighter pilot who was downed in hostile territory . After returning from the Persian Gulf , HS - 14 participated in several training and operational deployments , including the historic PULSE EX 2004 . This exercise represented a shift in naval policy from set " work - up " periods and deployment schedules to a rapid - responding , surge capable force . During PULSE EX the Navy deployed six carriers simultaneously around the world to demonstrate the projection of power available under the new doctrine . It was during this deployment that an S - 3B Viking from CVW - 14 crashed on the remote and rugged island of Kita Iwo Jima . HS - 14 deployed two Seahawks within three hours to Iwo Jima to conduct search and recovery operations . Working closely with USAF Pararescuemen ( PJs ) from the 33rd RQS , the USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN and the USS GARY , HS - 14 was able to locate the wreckage , salvage parts of the aircraft and return the remains of the Viking crew . This accomplishment was noted in a personal letter from President Bush to the wife of one of the fallen aviators . In the fall of 2004 , an HS - 14 detachment deployed two HH - 60H helicopters on board the USNS GySgt . Fred W . Stockham ( T - AK - 3017 ) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Philippines . The overall effort proved to be a success and established the HS community as a leading participant in the Global War on Terrorism . In the first week of December 2004 , typhoons Imbudo and Namando struck the Philippines , causing extensive damage . The Chargers quickly transitioned from a special operations role to that of humanitarian assistance providers . The Chargers were able to provide immediate relief to the most stricken victims of the typhoons and rescue over 100 refugees , providing them critical medical assistance . At the same time , another Charger detachment was deployed on board the guided - missile cruiser to support several 7th Fleet ASW exercises , operating in conjunction with the Japanese Maritime Self - Defense Force ( JMSDF ) . Additionally , the squadron operated a third detachment out of Atsugi , Japan , completing an unprecedented operational commitment for an HS squadron . After being deployed or detached 11 out of 12 months in 2004 , the Chargers were back aboard in January 2005 , operating off the southeast coast of Japan . In February 2005 , the squadron deployed for routine training operations in the Okinawa Fleet Operations Areas . Simultaneously , HS - 14 deployed a one - plane detachment and 18 personnel to the USS Cushing ( DD - 985 ) to operate with DESRON 15 in bilateral ASW operations with the South Korean Navy . After some rest and relaxation in Hong Kong , Carrier Strike Group Five , led by the carrier , headed north toward Korea for Operation Foal Eagle . HS - 14 remained busy for the rest of 2005 , spending most of the year deployed and participating in exercises such as Talisman Saber , Orange Crush , JASEX , SHAREM , MULTI - SAIL , and ANNUALEX . 2006 . June 2006 marked the start of another eventful summer deployment aboard the USS " Kitty Hawk " for the Chargers . Before deploying , HS - 14 earned the " Golden Wrench Award " for having the most outstanding maintenance department in the airwing . This marked the third time the Chargers had taken home the award , more than any other squadron in CVW - 5 . With maintenance operating at full potential and the flight crews ready to fight , the Chargers were ready to start the cruise . The deployment kicked off with a short port call to Otaru , Japan , a suburb of Sapporo on the Japanese island of Hokkaido . After Otaru , the USS Carrier Strike Group Five , led by USS Kitty Hawk , joined up with Carrier Strike Group Nine , led by the , and Carrier Strike Group , led by , along with Marine Corps , Air Force , and various foreign militaries for the largest operation in over a decade , Valiant Shield . This exercise involved more than 30 ships , 280 aircraft , and 22 , 000 sailors , marines , and airmen , and focused on the strike groups ' ability to maintain a very robust air strike schedule while being attacked by multiple submarine and surface threats . HS - 14 performed incredibly , scoring many simulated torpedo attacks on the American , Australian , and Singaporean attacking subs , while allowing almost no attacks against the carrier " Kitty Hawk " . While defending the carrier from simulated sub - attacks , the Chargers also had a dedicated Combat Search and Rescue detachment working out of Guam . This detachment focused on joint operations with the Golden Falcons of HS - 2 while conducting Naval Special Warfare insertions and extractions . The detachment also gave the crews a chance to learn different techniques when operating in low light , tactical environments . The Chargers worked with several other units from different services and countries during the remainder of the year . Further exercises included " Allies in the Outback " , ANNUALEX , and an Atsugi CSAR Detachment . 2007 . After the winter holidays , HS - 14 was back operating at full clip and taking advantage of the great training areas the Far East has to offer . The Chargers sent a four helicopter detachment to Kadena Air Base on the island of Okinawa , Japan to practice weapons employment and terrain flying . The crews were able to take advantage of the area ' s weapons ranges and fired two AGM 114B Hellfire missiles and three Mk 46 practice torpedoes . Additionally , the Chargers practiced joint operations with multiple commands and services . HS - 14 practiced anti - submarine warfare tracking and attacking techniques with the P - 3 Orion squadron , VP - 4 " Skinny Dragons " . The Chargers were also able to practice fast roping , rappelling , and High Altitude Low Opening and static - line paradrops with the 1st of the 1st Army Airborne Rangers . The 320th Tactics Squadron also worked with HS - 14 practicing similar techniques . Carrier Strike Group Five ( CARSTRKGRU 5 ) , led by the carrier " Kitty Hawk " , began another deployment in May , making stops in Guam , Sydney , Brisbane , Guam again , and Kuala Lumpur . HS - 14 participated in multiple exercises during the deployment , including Talisman Saber , Valiant Shield , and Malabar 2007 . Once again , HS - 14 showcased its versatility , flying CSAR , ASW , VERTREP , Logistics , ASUW , and PHOTOEX missions throughout the summer . CARSTRKGRU 9 pulled into Yokosuka in September , only to depart again in early October for fall cruise . During a port call in Muroran , Northern Japan , HS - 14 detached two HH - 60H ' s and four aircrews to Misawa Air Base for FLIR / HELLFIRE training . The detachment rejoined the " Kitty Hawk " prior to ANNUALEX 19G , the naval portion of a larger US / Japan exercise . Following the exercise , Carrier Strike Group Five made international headlines when it was denied entrance to the port of Hong Kong for the Thanksgiving Holiday . HS - 14 returned to Atsugi in early December , ending an eventful year of operations . 2008 . HS - 14 began 2008 with another weapons detachment to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa , beginning in early February . The detachment used four helicopters to fire Hellfire missiles , drop torpedoes , and conduct ASW , CSAR , NSW , and close air support ( CAS ) training with Marines , Air Force , and Army personnel . Despite less than ideal weather , the squadron met its training goals for the detachment . Detachment " B " joined USS Lassen in January . Together , they conducted independent operations until March . HS - 14 ' s main body embarked " Kitty Hawk " for Sea Trials in March , followed by workups in April , to include a welcome return to Hong Kong . Detachment A embarked USS Shiloh ( CG - 67 ) , USS Cowpens ( CG - 63 ) , and USS Shiloh again from February through May . Carrier Strike Group Five ( CARSTRKGRU 5 ) left Yokosuka in May , marking " Kitty Hawk " s final departure from Japan . Detachment A rejoined the main squadron aboard " Kitty Hawk " for this cruise , while Detachment B took a much needed break in Atsugi . The strike group visited Guam in June , then proceeded to Hawaii , conducting Blue Water Operations along the way . HS - 14 and CARSTRKGRU 9 were treated to a port call in Honolulu just prior to participating in RIMPAC 2008 . At the end of the port call , Detachment A , the " Misfits " , debarked " Kitty Hawk " and embarked USS Rodney M . Davis ( FFG - 60 ) as its air department for the exercise . The " Misfits " conducted intensive ASW operations with the Davis in a separate surface action group , providing invaluable support as a " pouncing " aircraft , as well multiple logistics flights in support of the ship . HS - 14 ' s main body aboard the " Kitty Hawk " provided similar support to Carrier Strike Group Five . Following RIMPAC , the " Kitty Hawk " proceeded to San Diego for the long awaited CVW - 5 Hull Swap with . However , a major task needed to be completed before the " Kitty Hawk " could pull into San Diego . HS - 14 provided VERTREP for one of the largest ammunition offloads in recent memory . HS - 14 managed to complete three days worth of " slinging bombs " in two days . The squadron moved over 900 loads , helping the " Kitty Hawk " to enter San Diego on time , and thousands of tons lighter . CVW - 5 flew off Kitty Hawk for the final time off the coast of California on 6 August . HS - 14 provided photographic platforms for the historic flyoff , then flew off to NAS North Island on the 7th . When HS - 14 landed at North Island that morning , it marked 14 years since the squadron was forward deployed to Japan . After " Kitty Hawk " tied up at NAS North Island , CVW - 5 immediately began the demanding crossdeck operation required to establish itself aboard its new home , USS George Washington ( CVN - 73 ) . For two weeks in August , HS - 14 was divided between the " Kitty Hawk " , the " George Washington " , and HS - 4 ' s squadron spaces ashore . The squadron tried to allow sailors as much leave as possible , but completing the crossdeck was the priority . The USS " George Washington " pulled out of San Diego with CVW - 5 embarked on 21 August , starting a new chapter for both units . HS - 14 flew aboard that afternoon , and following a Blue Water Certification and workups over the next couple weeks , the GW began its trek west . The following month consisted of heavy flight operations for HS - 14 . The goal was to get CVW - 5 and the " George Washington " Air Department working together as a cohesive team . The GW Strike Group pulled into Yokosuka on 25 September , with HS - 14 Helos providing channel guard services for the carrier . CVW - 5 remained embarked for the 5 day " port visit " . 2008 Fall Cruise began on 30 September . HS - 14 left a CSAR detachment back aboard NAF Atsugi for the month of October . Along with Detachment B , the composite detachment managed to qualify several pilots and aircrew in CSAR Syllabus . HS - 14 ' s main body continued to provide ASW and SAR service to USS George Washington as the Strike Group visited Pusan , South Korea , and Guam . Following the Guam port visit , Detachment A left GW to embark guided - missile cruiser , while Detachment B departed Japan aboard USS Lassen ( DDG - 82 ) . Both ships joined the GW Strike Group for ANNUALEX 20G , an exercise involving US and Japanese surface , subsurface , and air units . During the exercise , HS - 14 provided round the clock ASW coverage , with GW based helos covering days and detachment helos covering nights . The squadron scored numerous submarine kills , helping to validate the detachment concept . HS - 14 and CVW - 5 returned to Atsugi on 21 November , marking nearly nine months of underway time for the air wing in 2008 . 2009 . During the 2009 Summer Deployment HS - 14 participated in TALISMAN SABRE 2009 . While the main body of HS - 14 supported the air wing on the West coast of Australia , Detachment Bravo , on USS Mustin ( DDG - 89 ) conducted continuous ASW missions in support of multinational operations . In conjunction with two permanent Detachments , the Chargers sent a temporary detachment to Darwin , Australia to work with Australia Special Forces . As the Summer Deployment wound down , HS - 14 celebrated both their 25th birthday on 10 July marking 25 years of service and 50 , 000 hours Class " A " mishap free . During the Fall Deployment ( October – November 2009 ) , HS - 14 flew over 500 additional Class " A " mishap free hours . While Chargers on board [ . worked ASW for Talisman Sabre , Detachment Bravo conducted actual ASW operations tracking a Russian Oscar . For the squadron ' s unequaled performance in its primary mission areas of Anti - Submarine Warfare ( ASW ) and Anti - Surface Warfare ( ASU ) they were awarded with the 2009 Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for Anti - Submarine and Anti - Surface Warfare Excellence . 2010 . From 19 February to 5 March , HS - 14 sent a detachment to Kadena AFB , Okinawa , Japan . During this detachment the squadron flew over 250 hours enhancing their readiness for the 2010 Deployment . 2011 . HS - 14 alongside HSL - 51 have been conducting humanitarian flights over Japan since 11 March as part of Operation Tomodachi from Naval Air Facility Misawa . In the aftermath of the 2011 Thai floods , the squadron joined other Navy personnel in providing humanitarian assistance and surveillance of flooded areas . HS - 14 Achievements . HS - 14 celebrated over thirteen years and 50 , 000 mishap - free flight hours in August 2009 . The squadron ' s impressive history is highlighted by many awards including