MH-60S Knighthawk meets the fleet. (Airscoop).

Surrounded by hundreds of Sailors and numerous models of the H-60 helicopter during an 8 February ceremony at NAS North Island, Calif., Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vein Clark formally introduced the MH-60s Knighthawk into the fleet.

"This helicopter will make our force more lethal and combat capable," Adm. Clark said. He praised the men and women of the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 3 Packrats for their hard work and dedication in making the Knighthawk's fleet introduction a reality. HC-3 began diversifying the skills and backgrounds of its pilots, aircrewmen and maintainers more than two years ago while preparing to be the first fleet readiness squadron to fly the MH-60S. The first Knighthawk arrived at NAS North Island in December 2000, and squadron pilots began training flights in the new aircraft in October 2001.

The Knighthawk will replace the CH-46D Sea Knight in its mission of carrier battle group logistical support, including vertical replenishment and personnel transport. Clark explained that the new helicopter "is infinitely important to the fleet because of its adaptability and ability to accomplish so many different missions."

"The MH-60S is the first building block in a 20-year plan to recapitalize our helicopter force," Capt. Greg Hoffman, officer in charge of the MH-60R/S fleet introduction team, said. "In the helo master plan, we're going from seven airframes down to two as the Romeo and Sierra get outfitted with new systems and become more multimission capable." HC-3 aircrews and maintainers are spearheading this transition, and HC-5 will be the first operational squadron to receive the new helicopter.

As CH-46 Sea Knights and MH-60 Kinghthawks flew in formation over the ceremony, participants and spectators witnessed the future of Naval Aviation in the making.

By Ltjg. Anne E. Cossitt, Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet PAO, and Lt. walt Morgan, a pilot with HC-3.