By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kristopher Regan
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, the "Dragon Whales", Naples Detachment continually serves 6th fleet as the only U.S. Navy helicopter detachment in Europe.
"It's really rewarding because not only do I love to fly but I also get the chance to really make a difference in the average life of Sailors both by bringing them their mail through vertical replenishments or by rescuing someone at sea," said Lt. Stephanie Erwin, pilot for HSC-28 Naples Det.
HSC-28 Naples Det., forward-deployed to Naval Support Activity (NSA), Naples Capodichino base.
The main mission of HSC-28 is to provide service and logistical support for 6th Fleet and its tenant commands.
In addition to providing support in the Naples region, HSC-28 deploys with USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20).
"We deploy with the Mount Whitney as a search and rescue platform when it is underway," said Lt. Cmdr. Paula Langille, officer in charge of HSC-28 Naples Det.
The helicopter detachment flies multiple times a week to keep their skills sharp and qualifications up to date for both pilots and crew members.
"We usually fly about three times a week for hours at a time all for training," said Aviation Warfare System Operator 1st Class Marcus Monreal.
The detachment has only one MH-60 Sierra Knight Hawk which poses some challenges for the crew.
"Helicopters have a lot of moving parts, so there are many things that tend to break down," said Langille. "This means it takes everyone working at 100 percent all the time to make sure the aircraft is ready to fly, and we accomplish any mission."
The air crew and maintainers will spend three to six months deployed in Naples while the pilots spend closer to seven months before rotating back to Norfolk.
