COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Aug. 29, 2017) - Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, return in an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to Easterwood Airport in College Station, Texas after a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission over the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. HSC-7 and HSC-28 sent personnel and aircraft to the area to bolster Northern Command's support of FEMA's disaster response efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Lindahl)
HOUSTON - Sailors with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons (HSC) 7 and 28 will return to Naval Station Norfolk on Monday after spending a week assisting with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
HSC-7 and HSC-28 flew 49 sorties accumulating 225 flight hours, including 65 hours at night. They combined for 358 rescues, including 22 dogs and five cats. They also conducted nine personnel transfers and delivered 1,660 pounds of water and food.
The squadrons are handing over support to HSC 21 and HSC 23, both out of Naval Station North Island in San Diego.
"Everything about this has been so humbling," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Amber Ford, assigned to HSC-7. "Getting the call at night to leave the next morning was when I realized 'Ok, this needs to be done.' You hear it on the news, but being here you see how important this relief is. That, along with how supportive the entire community has been makes me proud to be here and proud to be in the Navy."
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