HSM-72
# HSM-72

HSM-72 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven-Two, also known as Proud Warriors is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Proud Warriors are a part of Carrier Air Wing One and deploy aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The squadron was established as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty Two (HSL-42) on 5 October 1984

## Mission

The squadron employs the MH-60R multi-mission helicopter. Primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW), Command, Control, Communications (CCC), Command and Control (C2) Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL).

## Transition from HSL-42

HSL-42 was redesignated HSM-72 on 15 January 2013 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The change reflected their transition from employing the SH-60B to the MH-60R, as well as from a detachment-based, expeditionary squadron to its realignment in support of a carrier air wing. As part of this transition, then-HSL-42 relocated to NAS Jacksonville from their previous home of Naval Station Mayport.

## Awards

* Meritorious Unit Commendation
* National Defense Service Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
* Navy E Ribbon
* Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award
* Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy
* Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy
* Blue "M" for Medical Readiness
* CHSMWINGLANT Talon Award
