HSL-51 warlords.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51's insignia combines both Japanese and Greek mythology. The character in the patch is based on Miyamoto Musashi, a famous Samurai warrior. A champion of the Japanese people, Musashi was renown for both his martial prowess and his scholarly works. Instead of the usual Samurai swords, Musashi is armed with the trident of the Greek god Poseidon, symbolizing mastery of all enemies that lurk on or under the sea. The Warlords are justly proud of this dual capability, since their AGM-119B Penguin and AGM-114 Hellfire antiship missiles and MK 50 lightweight torpedoes enable them to hunt their prey both on and below the waves. The squadron nickname Warlords was derived from Minamato Yoritomo, the first warlord appointed by the Emperor of Japan to bring the proud Samurai under his strong leadership.

Established on 1 October 1991 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi , Japan, HSL-51's mission is to provide combat-ready helicopter detachments for deployment on board ships of the forward-deployed naval forces stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. The Warlords fly the SH-60B Seahawk antisubmarine helicopter and also maintain a UH-3H Sea King VIP transport helo in support of Commander Seventh Fleet, his flagship Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and numerous dignitaries who visit Japan. The Seahawk is the world's most technologically advanced shipboard helicopter, capable of performing multiple missions such as antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, communications relay and vertical replenishment. During deployments, the squadron's Seahawks operate as an integral part of the forward-deployed ships capability serving as remote platforms for sensor deployment, data processing and display, and the delivery of antisubmarine and antisurface weapons.

With this versatile platform, the Warlords continue to demonstrate their symbol's warrior ethic.