MH-60R Transition Continuing

Department of Defense U.S. Navy Releases

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Since January, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 here has continued to provide the first wave of aviators and maintenance crews with advanced training for the Navy's newest anti-submarine warfare helicopter.

HSM-41 is the first command to fly the MH-60R and is the foundation of introducing the new aircraft into the fleet.

The squadron, known previously as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 41, was re-designated in December. Since then, aviators and several chosen maintenance crew members have been sent to Naval Air Station Patuxtent River, Md., to work with Lockheed-Martin technicians to receive on-the-job training to learn proper maintenance procedures on the new aircraft.

"The training helped crew members become familiar with the new upgrades to the aircraft and helped create a seamless transition between the SH-60B 'Bravos' and the MH-60R 'Romeos,'" said Master Chief Aviation Maintenanceman (AW) Patrick C. Manzanilla, maintenance master chief petty officer for the squadron.

Upgrades on the "Romeo" include a major overhaul of the avionics, including new radars, sensors and the introduction of a "glass cockpit," which includes numerous digital displays and LCD monitors to simplify the transfer between modes and options. A larger missile pylon for a bigger weapons payload and a satellite communications capability were also added.

Though the squadron has already been re-designated and is flying the new "Romeo," they still also currently fly the "Bravo."

"The differences in the avionics between the two aircraft are as different as night and day," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Stephen W. Williams. "The ability to plug in a laptop to run a diagnostic during troubleshooting definitely makes life easier for us."

With the new upgrades, the MH-60R expands the fleet's capability from anti-submarine warfare to multimission capability.

"This is an exciting time for us," said Lt. Philip L. Parmley, pilot and squadron safety officer, "and we're looking forward to getting the aircraft out to the fleet."

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.

Story Number: NNS060815-10 - Release Date: 8/15/2006 4:29:00 PM