Like the Sea King "Old 66" project (still ongoing), the Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk (*) NF 610, BuNo. 164460, is a historical aircraft that served from 2008 to 2013 with HS-14 "Chargers" in CVW-5 out of NAF Atsugi, Japan, assigned to the USS George Washington (CVN-73). Known for the rogue wave in the 19th century painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, often times mistaken by a "Tsunami" wave, of which a replica shows on both sides of the fuselage, it also displays Mount Fuji, again inspired by the same artist's work, and the "squadron's lightning" on the tail - the squadron's motto is to this day (HSC-14) "Day or Night, Lightning Strikes", after the unit's call sign: "Lightning". This type of tail art is usually displayed on aircraft flown by commanders of air stations, facilities, groups (CAG) or fleets.
Today, in USNSL, the "Chargers" are stationed at NAS Velinissimo, LCDR. Chrissy Dehner commanding officer, part of Third Fleet and COMNAVAIRNAU - using SH-60 and MH-90 (NH-90) in the more recent multi-mission, sea combat inspired HSC-14. This historical aircraft is sometimes seen there, on the pad on top of the NAS Miramar building. Like most historical aircraft of USNSL it is ashore at Miramar and flown on special occasions. Curious fact: the making of the NF 610 was due to an order outside the USNSL and you can see it's story following this link.
(*) This particular variant of the Seahawk is sometimes referred to as Oceanhawk.
Real Life notes:
The Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations. The Navy's SH-60B Seahawk is an airborne platform based aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates and deploys sonobuoys (sonic detectors) and torpedoes in an anti-submarine role. They also extend the range of the ship's radar capabilities. The Navy's SH-60F is carrier-based. The HH-60H, also aboard carriers and ashore, is used for search and rescue (SAR) missions. Formal introduction into service occurred in 1984. The SH-60 remains the primary helicopter of the United States Navy, in various roles.
CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO
Note: The BuNo in the aircraft shown is not a USNSL generated number but the real bureau number of this particular aircraft. This is standard in all historical versions out of NAS Miramar.
Hi LCDR Dehner. If you guys would like to use the correct profile artwork for this helicopter that was drawn up for the squadron. I have the originals. As I was the one who designed this scheme and the low viz version for the Hotel for LCDR Manny Picon. The original drawings/ paint plans have the wave on both sides. But LCDR Picon decided to change the port side of 610 and put the eagles head on, in place of the wave. It was then later changed back to the original drawings By LCDR Ray Hesser Jr once he took command. She now sits in the bone yard awaiting her fate. She is still most loved version.
ReplyDeleteSteve Evans
RGA
Hey Steve!
DeleteThank you for your comment! I used the available 610 photos to make this replica that flies in the skies of Second Life. I am impressed you found us and this profile, being the designer of the RL livery! Feel free to contact me at asra.kron@gmail.com, I would love to make a more accurate replica of the 610!
Thank you and Blue Skies!