HSM-46

Helicopter Maritime Strike Four Six (HSM-46), the "Grandmasters", are a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. HSM-46 deploys aboard cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers in independent operations or in support of strike groups. The squadron was established on 7 April 1988 as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty Six (HSL-46)



Mission and history
HSM-46 deploys Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program helicopters to United States Navy warships performing search and rescue, vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, and communications relay and combat missions. Established at Mayport, Florida, on 7 April 1988, HSM-46 currently deploys ten detachments aboard Atlantic Fleet ships. A detachment normally consists of one or two aircraft, five to six pilots, two to three sensor operators, a maintenance chief, and eight to twelve maintenance personnel. A typical detachment deploys with its assigned ship for six months, with several shorter work-up cruises prior to the long deployment. The squadron is directly responsible to Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

The squadron is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 on board the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), replacing HSM-79.

Transition from HSL-46
HSL-46 was re-designated HSM-46 in March 2012 at Naval Station Mayport.