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Squadron Sixteen (HM-16) Seahawks |
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Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Sixteen was established 27 October 1978 at Norfolk, Virginia as a result of the redesignation of the former Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Unit BRAVO. The Seahawks of HM-16 flew the RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter, providing the fleet with an aviation squadron for quick response world-wide deployment for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM).
In December 1978, shortly after its redesignation, HM-16 began the first of its shipboard training aboard the USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) while conducting an AMCM shipboard training exercise. Squadron personnel were tasked to demonstrate their capabilities in AMCM operations in preparation for the new squadron's first deployment.The squadron began its first major deployment in February 1979 at NAS Key West, Florida. During the months of February and March the squadron set the pace for the HM community by completing over 162 hours of AMCM sweep operations. During May of 1979 the squadron continued to improve its AMCM skills by operating from the deck of the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-2), participating in Exercise Solid Shield '79. Operations included both mechanical and influence airborne mine sweeping from the flight deck and well decks of the USS SHREVEPORT (LPD-2). 
The squadrons first major OUTCONUS deployment was to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in October 1979. Participating in CANUS MARCOT '79, a joint U.S.-Canadian exercise, HM-16 was shorebased at CFB Shearwater, Nova Scotia. The squadron's prime objective was to clear a simulated minefield blocking this major strategic Canadian port. The documented success of the deployment and the cooperation developed with the Canadian Forces further strengthened our mutual defense efforts.Four days after returning from the Canadian deployment, HM-16 was tasked to execute a no-notice rapid deployment to the Indian Ocean area. Within a 34 hour period, all personnel and assets were deployed from the commands home base in Norfolk, Virginia. This response stands as a tribute to the superb performance of the members of this command. In April 1980, while stationed aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68), HM-16 provided the eight helicopters used in the attempted hostage rescue mission. On 19 May 1980, the squadron returned to Norfolk after an unprecedented 193 days continuously at sea. 
In October of 1980 the Sea Hawks again deployed to Halifax, Nova Scotia for Operation CANUS MARCOT '80. All objectives were completed one week ahead of schedule allowing Naval Forces to breakout and complete the exercise. While in Canada, the squadron was tasked to deploy to NAS Key West in late November for special mine countermeasures equipment training in preparation for a 1981 deployment to the Persian Gulf.From January until June of 1981, HM-16 deployed to the Persian Gulf to act as a forward deployed AMCM contingency force aboard USS CORONADO (AGF-11). 
HM-16 again deployed to Halifax, Nova Scotia in October 1981 and participaed in the highly successful CANUS MARCOT '81, while simultaneously supplying a vertical on board delivery detachment for two aircraft carriers operating in the Caribbean OP area.In June 1982, the Seahawks departed Norfolk for a deployment to THIRD and SEVENTH Fleets. While in California, HM-16 operated from three ships (USS DULUTH, USS NEW ORLEANS, USS DENVER) and participated in two exercises. In July, the squadron departed San Diego for West Pac aboard the USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11). In Japan, AMCM equipment and capabilities were demonstrated to representatives of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Subsequently, HM-16 conducted a joint MCM exercise with Republic of Korea minesweepers and demonstrated the capability and effectiveness of the two forces. 
August of 1983 saw the Seahawks deployed aboard USS INCHON (LPH-12) for participation in MCM '83. HM-16 worked in conjunction with surface sweeping forces from Belgium, England, and the Netherlands clearing simulated minefields in the North Sea. It was during this deployment that the squadron established new records for aircraft readiness and flight hours under mine countermeasures tow operations.HM-16 received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Battle Efficiency Award [two awards], and the Expeditionary Medal [two awards]. HM-16 officially disestablished on 2 January 1987. The SEAHAWKS were tasked with commitments ashore and at sea, and they consistently met the challenge and remained ever ready. |
| CDR ROBERT V. GOODLOE, JR. | 27 OCT 78 - 27 MAR 80 |
| CDR RAYMOND M. CARLTON, JR. | 27 MAR 80 - 25 JUN 81 |
| CDR PAUL F. ERNY | 25 JUN 81 - 14 OCT 82 |
| CDR JAMES L. HUGHES | 14 OCT 82 - 12 APR 84 |
| CDR MICHAEL L. LAGOW | 12 APR 84 - ?? OCT 85 |
| CDR DONALD F. BEACH | ?? OCT 85 - ?? JAN 87 |
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