MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- The Marines and Sailors of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 37 celebrated their unit's 30th anniversary, Tuesday, during a ceremony that included a speech by their commanding officer as well as a ceremonial cake cutting to commemorate the event.
HSL-37 has only called Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, home since May 1999. The Easy Riders began their legacy at Naval Air Station, Barbers Point, but had to relocate to the windward side of Oahu after 24 years due to the Base Realignment and Closure Act.
The unit holds the title of the Navy's oldest operational Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System squadron whose mission is to provide combat-ready detachments to the Pacific fleet in support of the nation's defense.
"Although our weapons and tactics are constantly changing to adapt to current and future global threats," said Cmdr. Patrick A. Molenda, commanding officer, HSL-37, "our mission is as vital to our nation's defense as it was thirty years ago."
Since the squadron started, it has experienced numerous transformations to become the unit it is today.
While upgrading aircraft from the SH-2 Seasprite to the SH-60B Seahawk in the early 90's and their transition from Barber's Point to K-Bay, the members of the unit have shown adaptability and flexibility in order to continue to complete the unit's mission.
Over the past three decades, the squadron received numerous awards and citations, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Battle Efficiency "E" awards, two Chief of Naval Operation's Aviation Safety awards, eight Arnold J. Isbell trophies for Anti-Submarine Warfare Excellence, and seven HSLWINGPAC Top Torpedo awards.
"Over the past thirty years, the Easy Riders have amassed quite a trophy collection," said Molenda, "but the real measure of our success is, and always has been, our operational lethality. HSL-37 has established itself at the tactical forefront in the LAMPS community, and over the past thirty years we have deployed over 100 detachments, all over the globe."
Although, the unit's history has been one of success, Molenda credits the individual service members for making it that way.
"It is the sacrifice and dedication of the people who came before us, and those who stand before me now, who have made this squadron what it is today -- the Navy's premier LAMPS squadron," he said while addressing guests at the ceremony.
As the only LAMPS squadron in the Middle Pacific region, HSL-37's deploying detachments support all Pearl Harbor-based, Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, Spruance-class destroyers, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and Ticonderoga-class cruisers throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The non-deploying personnel support includes Combat System Sea Qualification Trials, USW (under-sea warfare) weapon qualifications, and the training of shipboard Landing Signal Enlisted and Helicopter Control Officer personnel.
In his concluding remarks, Molenda took time to mention a couple fallen Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"It is this type of selflessness and dedication that is the backbone of military service," he said. "I am proud to say these virtues are not the exception, but rather the standard within the Easy Rider team. It is the people who came before us that made this squadron what it is today, and now it is our turn to continue the tradition into the next thirty years."