HSM-77 “Saberhawks” NAF Atsugi

HSM-77 “Saberhawks” NAF Atsugi canvas art.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Seven (HSM-77) “Saberhawks” is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan. HSM-77 is attached to Carrier Air Wing Five and deploys aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) and air capable ships attached to Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG-9). The squadron was redesignated from HSL-47 on 2 Apr 2009. The squadron’s primary mission is to employ the versatility of the MH-60R helicopter to support the battle group commander’s objectives, with emphasis on Surface Warfare (SUW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Secondary missions include Search and Rescue (SAR), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Medical Evacuation(MEDEVAC), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL). The Saberhawks of HSM-77 fly the newest aircraft in the U.S. Navy fleet, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which elevates tactical maritime mission capability to a new level, far surpassing previous fleet capability.