HM-14 flew the final flight of the squadron in Norfolk, Virginia on Dec. 8. The squadron will officially disestablish in July 2023.
HM-14 was established on May 12, 1978. It was the world’s first fully self-contained Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadron. In June 1984, HM-14 received the AN/AQS-14 Mine Hunting Sonar, which established the Navy’s first operational airborne mine hunting capability.
The unit received the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter on Apr. 9 1989. A variant of the CH-53E, this model was the first aircraft designed specifically for AMCM.
The MH-53E helicopter includes a Precision Navigation System for navigating through minefields, a dedicated hydraulic system for performing mine countermeasures (MCM) operations, and a larger fuel capacity to allow for extended on-station time while conducting sweeps. This enhanced equipment allows the MH-53E to effectively locate and neutralize underwater mines, increasing the safety of naval vessels and personnel.
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