Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1978 based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Nicknamed the Vanguard and flying the MH-53E Sea Dragon, it comprised both active duty and reserve personnel. It was the sister squadron to HM-15, the Blackhawks, based at NS Norfolk.
HM-14 flew its last mission on December 8, 2022 and was deactivated on March 30, 2022. The squadron was officially disestablished in July 2023. Squadron responsibilities were transferred to HM-15 beginning in January 2023.
History
HM-14 was established at NAS, Norfolk, on 12 May 1978 as the world's first fully self-contained Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadron. The squadron was outfitted with eight RH-53D aircraft from HM-12 and with Vietnam War legacy minesweeping equipment from AMCM Unit Alpha, including five Mk-105 sleds.
1980s
In April 1981, the squadron deployed to Europe for 5 months as the AMCM element of the first integrated MCM Task Group, along with surface and underwater MCM units. They participated in multi-national exercises and demonstrations in several countries to show the capabilities of an AMCM squadron.
In June 1984, HM-14 took delivery of the AN/AQS-14 Mine Hunting Sonar and establised the fleet's first operational airborne mine hunting capability.
In August 1984, the squadron responded to a JCS-directed rapid deployment order in support of Operation INTENSE LOOK. HM-14 conducted split site operations with main body of the squadron deploying on the USS Shreveport LPD-12 and Detachment One operating out of Jeddah Saud Arabia. AMCM operations in the Gulf of Suez were in support of the Egyptian Government, and in the Red Sea in support of the Saudi Arabian Government. During this period, HM-14 also responded to provide vertical onboard delivery (VOD) support following the Beirut embassy annex bombing. For its performance during these operations, the squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
In January 1987, HM-14 deployed five aircraft to Galveston, Texas conducting minehunting/minesweeping operations in support of port breakout exercise FTX Galveston '87 and another detachment deployping three aircraft to Howard Air Force Base Republic of Panama, in support of exercise Kindle Liberty '87.
In August 1987, the Squadron executed another JCS-directed rapid deployment order operating off the USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) and USS OKINAWA (LPH-3) in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation EARNEST WILL. During these operations, HM-14 was credited with the first live moored mines swept by a U.S. Navy unit since the Korean Conflict. As a result of superb performance in the hostile and extremely demanding environment of the Persian Gulf, HM-14 received the Navy Unit Commendation.
The squadron received its first MH-53 Sea Dragon E-model helicopter on 9 April 1989. A variant of the CH-53E, this model was the first aircraft designed specifically for AMCM. The MH-53E includes Precision Navigation System for minefield navigation, a dedicated hydraulic system for MCM operations, and a greater fuel capacity for extended on-station time while conducting sweeps.
1990s
In October 1990, HM-14 Detachment One forward deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, becoming the first U.S. Navy squadron to do so. With six aircraft, 300 personnel, and all associated support equipment, this was the largest detachment in community history. The squadron set up a forward operating presence in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the Sheikh Zayed MCM Base Abu Dhabi (SZMBAD) from which they provided AMCM coverage of the entire Persian Gulf in coordination with the surface MCM Fleet under COMUSMCMGRU.
In January 1992, six containers of arsenic were swept overboard from a freighter during a severe storm off the coast of New Jersey. HM-14 self-lifted to New Jersey to support the U.S. Coast Guard in searching for the containers during Operation Toxic Look. HM-14 swept over 305 linear miles using the AQS-14 sonar system before finding all six containers and preventing an ecological disaster. The detachment was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Award for this action.