Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 DET 2, the Blackhawks, conducted a formation flight with all in-theater helicopters, Aug. 25, at the Aviation Unit at Manama International Airport.

At 11:31 a.m. AST, four MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters took off and entered a formation in preparation for a low pass fly-by of the Aviation Unit runway. Commander, Task Force 52 (CTF 52) Capt. Eric Wirstrom, was in attendance. While forward deployed in Bahrain, HM-15 DET 2 is assigned to CTF 52.

The MH-53E is a heavy lift capable helicopter with a maximum range of 500 nautical miles, with in-flight refuel which extends their range. Their primary mission is to maintain a world-wide 72-hour airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) rapid deployment posture, with four aircraft forward-deployed for AMCM and vertical onload delivery capability in the Arabian Gulf.

The Blackhawks recently completed maintenance for a rigorous and time consuming airframe bulletin (AFB). For the duration of the AFB, due to the extensive maintenance required, they were not able to keep all four aircraft fully mission capable. However, they completed the AFB ahead of schedule and are now mission ready.

"After some recent safety issues, the Navy has recently made significant investment in time and resources to ensure that the MH-53E Sea Dragon remains ready to execute its mission," said Capt. Wirstrom. "The formation flight today is a testament to the hard work, teamwork, and focus of the entire naval aviation enterprise, and the Blackhawks of HM-15 in particular. It was a privilege seeing all of those helicopters flying today. It was even better seeing the pride that DET 2 takes in accomplishing this significant achievement."

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil .