Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in San Diego, Dec. 11.

Commander Daniel W. Brown relieved Commander Michael M. Madrid while Commander Eli C. Owre assumed the duties of executive officer. Captain Steve Jaureguizar, commander, Carrier Air Wing 11 served as the Presiding Officer and was the event’s guest speaker.

Madrid, a 1997 graduate of University of Nevada, has commanded the “world famous” Wolfpack for the past 18 months. He led the squadron on their deployment to 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as part of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Carrier Air Wing 11 supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Madrid proudly reflected on his time as Skipper of HSM-75. “Being your Commanding Officer has been the highlight of my 20-year career,” said Madrid. “I will look back on this tour fondly and admire your future success from afar. Keep the legacy of the Pack strong and continue to take care of each other.”

During CDR Madrid’s tenure, HSM-75 achieved the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Forces Blue M for Medical Readiness; the 2017 U.S. Pacific Fleet “Golden Anchor” for Retention Excellence; the 2017 Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific “Golden Wrench” Award for Maintenance Excellence; and the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle Effectiveness Award. He will serve his next assignment in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, Virginia, as the Branch Head for Plans and Force Management.

Brown, a 1996 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, assumes command of HSM-75 following a successful tour as the executive officer of the squadron.

“I am honored and humbled to be standing here today as the 27th Wolfpack Commanding Officer,” said Brown. He further commented on his vision of the Wolfpack moving forward. “Readiness is the focus for the next year. We need to be personally and professionally ready to deploy.”

As the new executive officer, Owre is looking forward to serving with HSM-75. He is a 2002 United States Naval Academy graduate. During his previous tour, he served as Special Technical Operations planner on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-7 Joint Exercise Division.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75 is located at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California, and currently employs the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. The command's primary mission is to conduct all-weather sea control operations in open ocean and littoral environments as an integral part of Carrier Air Wing 11 in support of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. While embarked, the MH-60R's primary missions include surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, command and control, and non-combat Operations. Secondary missions include amphibious warfare, air warfare, health services, fleet support operations, intelligence operations, logistics, and naval special warfare.

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