Squadron Mission]

HSM 41 Command History

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 (HSL 41) was the Navy’s first Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III squadron. Established on 21 January 1983, the “Seahawks” fly the Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. HSL 41 is the West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron dedicated to the training of new SH-60B pilots and aircrew. In 1994, HSL 41 integrated the SH-60B Block One Improvement into the curriculum, and in 1998, completed curriculum additions to include the Armed Helo Upgrade and Night Vision Goggle training. Curriculum development for SH-60R training has begun with pilot training scheduled to begin in 2002.

In 1999, HSL 41 took on the additional task of training the initial cadre of CH-60S pilots and aircrew. The experience gained from 17 years of mishap-free operations will be passed on to this new platform.

The success of West Coast LAMPS detachments in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf is a tribute to the quality of initial and follow-on training that has been the hallmark of HSM 41. The squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1985, 1988, 1991 and 2002.

On December 8th, 2006, HSL-41 officially changed it's name from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41. In February 2008, HSM 41 surpassed 140,000 flight hours without a major aircraft incident. Since 1983, HSM 41 has trained over 3000 Fleet Replacement Pilots and Aircrew for service in LAMPS MK III and now LAMPS MK IV fleet squadrons.