Sundown for Norfolk helicopter squadron marks emotional chapter in Navy history

Sundown for Norfolk helicopter squadron marks emotional chapter in Navy history

As the Navy's MH-53E Sea Dragon flies its last missions, former crew members reflect on the helicopter's legacy and the memories made during its years of service.For Commander Jeff Spencer, who has logged about 3,000 hours flying this aircraft, it's certainly a bittersweet moment. "Definitely sad to see it go," he shared, as the helicopter that has served the Navy well for decades prepares for retirement.Spencer, the Executive Officer at HM-12, …

The unit, together with FF-05 Admiral Cochrane (exHMS Norfolk) and FF-06 Admiral Condell (exHMS Marlborough) was acquired by Chile in 2005.These three ships, received in the framework of the Bridge III project, have as main roles the surface and anti-submarine combat with the helicopter Airbus AS332F1 Cougar, the surface combat with Boeing Harpoon Block II missiles, the search and anti-submarine attack and the naval support fire with the cannon …