Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, Naval Station Mayport

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR TWO (HSL-42) was established on 5 October 1984 as the East Coast's first LAMPS MK III squadron. The command includes 60 officers and 240 enlisted personnel with 15 Sikorsky SH-60B aircraft assigned to 10 permanent, independent detachments.

The squadron's mission is to train, deploy, and support combat-ready LAMPS MK III detachments providing a multi-mission Air Warfare capability to surface combantants. When deployed, to detect, classify, and target an enemy and, when called upon, to place a weapon on target, on time, every time! The squadron also prepares and develops junior personnel to take charge of the future Navy and to ensure the highest possible quality of life for all hands. "Everbody succeeds, personally and professionally!"

HSL-42 detachments meet fleet operational requirements in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Middle East regions of the world, using the SH-60B "Seahawk", the world's finest, most advanced helicopter, to extend the Surface Warfare (SUW) and Undersea Warfare (USW) capabilities of the parent ship. LAMPS MK III helicopters utilize a lethal mix of MK-46 or MK-50 homing torpedoes, Penguin or Hellfire missiles, M-60D or GAU-16 machine guns, sonobuoys, chaff and other ordnance to ensure mission success.

In addition to the primary missions of SUW and ASW, the "Seahawk" performs secondary missions of Search and Rescue (SAR), Commuications Relay (COMREL), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

Exploiting the advanced technology utilized on the Seahawk, the "PROUD WARRIORS" of HSL-42 have supported a variety of operations around the world, including 5,300 flight hours in direct support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Maritime Interdiction Force (MIF) operations in support of UN sanctions against Iraq, the former Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Haiti; Counter Drug Operations; Space Shuttle Support Operations; and a multitude of missions in support of Battle Group Operations.

HSL-42 has distinguished itself as a front-runner in Naval Aviation by winning numerous awards and citations. These distinctions inlude four awards of the Prestigious Battle "E" (1987, 1988, 1992, and 1993), a Navy Unit Commendation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Coast Guard Unit Commendation, seven CNO Safety Awards (1987, 1988, 1992,1993, 1994, 1995 and 1998), five awards of the Isbell Trophy for ASW Excellence (1987, 1989, 1990, 1997 and 1998), the 1996 "Golden Anchor" Award for excellence in retention and the 1997 Golden Wrench award for excellence in aircraft maintenance. These awards, earned while flying over 109,000 consecutive mishap free flight hours, reflect the professionalism and dedication of the Officers and Sailors of HSL-42.

HSL-42 is comprised of 10 Detachments, each capable of deploying independently and supporting operations onboard a frigate, destroyer or cruiser.

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