HSM - 46 Helicopter Maritime Strike Four Six ( HSM - 46 ) , the " Grandmasters " , are a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville , Jacksonville , Florida . HSM - 46 deploys aboard cruisers , destroyers , frigates , and aircraft carriers in support of a carrier strike group . Mission . The mission of HSM - 46 is to train and support combat - ready detachments for assignment to LAMPS Mk III capable ships of the U . S . Atlantic Fleet . The LAMPS program is designed to combine both ship and helicopter weapons systems for the most effective mission performance . The helicopter mission systems are totally integrated into the world ’ s most technologically advanced ships , thereby greatly extending the combat horizon of the ship . The combined systems provide for earlier warning of surface contacts and longer range prosecution of subsurface contacts . In addition to the primary missions of Under Sea Warfare ( USW ) and Surface Warfare ( SUW ) , the LAMPS MK III helicopter ’ s missions include Search and Rescue , Vertical Replenishment , Medical Evacuation , and Communications Relay . The Light Airborne Multi - Purpose System ( LAMPS ) MARK III SH - 60B SEAHAWK weapons system that the men and women of HSM - 46 operate was introduced to the fleet in 1984 and continues to be the most capable and advanced multi - mission airborne platform in the world . Established at Mayport , FL , on April 7 , 1988 , HSM - 46 currently deploys ten detachments aboard Atlantic Fleet ships . A detachment normally consists of one or two aircraft , five to six pilots , two to three sensor operators , a maintenance chief , and eight to twelve maintenance personnel . A typical “ Det ” deploys with its assigned ship for six months , with several shorter work - up cruises prior to the long deployment . Often compared to a game of chess , the SUW and USW missions are pursuits in subtlety and finesse requiring consummate strategic planning and tactical thought . “ GRANDMASTER ” is a title bestowed on those who have achieved international standing in chess through tactical expertise and demonstrated competence . The professionals of HSM - 46 are dedicated to those same ideals and possess the same commitment to excellence defining the title of GRANDMASTER , hence the squadron ’ s insignia and nickname . The versatile knight chess piece , with its ability to execute moves in multiple dimensions , is symbolic of the tactical versatility of the SH - 60B Seahawk helicopter and aircrew to execute multiple missions . The eight - point star on the knight ' s shield represents the eight points of the compass and embodies HSM - 46 ' s ability to successfully execute missions anywhere in the world . The determination evident on the knight ' s face is representative of the determination , enthusiasm and motivation of every GRANDMASTER squadron member and accurately depicts our warrior spirit . The Squadron is directly responsible to Commander , Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing , U . S . Atlantic Fleet . Transition from HSL - 46 . HSM - 46 was established at Naval Station Mayport , when the squadron was re - designated HSM - 46 from their previous designation of Helicopter Anti - Submarine Squadron Light Four Six ( HSL - 46 ) . Commanding Officer . Previous Commanding Officer ( s ) : CDR J . P . DUNN , USN