Description

HSM-73 Battle Cats WESTPAC 23 Cruise Patch

Aviators!  Enjoy this HSM-73 Battle Cats WESTPAC 23 Cruise Patch!  It is a great creative patch to display and or wear! Being a large patch, it is a must-have for the flight jacket!

• 6.0 inches
• Embroidered
• Sew On
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM-73) is a United States Navy Maritime Strike helicopter squadron based on Naval Air Station North Island, California.

HSM-73 is the home of the Battlecats.[1] They fly the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in a variety of missions and are capable of operating from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers.[1]

HSM-73 was formerly Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 43 (HSL-43). HSL-43 was established on 5 October 1984 and was the Navy’s first operational Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III squadron.^[2] HSL-43’s primary mission was to provide fully mission-capable detachments aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to U.S. Pacific Fleet. Helicopters aboard these detachments were an integral part of the ship’s weapon system, extending the ship’s under-sea and anti-ship warfare capabilities beyond the horizon. Secondary missions included search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and communications relay (COMREL).

HSL-43 first deployed in February 1985 and subsequently conducted three to four deployments per year. HSL-43 was the first LAMPS MK III squadron in the Navy to demonstrate direct operational support of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and its parent Amphibious Readiness Group. HSL-43 was also the first LAMPS squadron in the Navy to field a Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capable detachment, resulting in an increase in safety, mission effectiveness, and aircrew situational awareness.^[2]