HSM-72 Proud Warriors Squadron Patch
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72 (HSM-72), U.S. Navy
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72 (HSM-72), the "Proud Warriors," was originally established as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Forty-Two (HSL-42) on 5 October 1984 at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. The squadron was redesignated HSM-72 on 15 January 2013 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, reflecting a transformative transition from the SH-60B to the advanced MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopter and from a detachment-based expeditionary squadron to direct carrier air wing integration.
The MH-60R Seahawk equips HSM-72 for a comprehensive suite of missions including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (SUW), Command and Control, Search and Rescue, Medical Evacuation, Vertical Replenishment, Naval Surface Fire Support, and Communications Relay. Assigned to Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1), the Proud Warriors deploy aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), projecting naval aviation power across the globe's most critical maritime theaters.
In late September 2024, HSM-72 departed the United States as part of CVW-1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman for what would become a historic deployment. After conducting exercises with NATO allies, the squadron was ordered to the Red Sea in defense of international shipping lanes against Houthi attacks from Yemen, arriving in the CENTCOM area of operations in mid-December 2024. Over the following months, the Proud Warriors contributed to what was described as the longest sustained Navy combat operation since World War II, flying over 1,500 sorties and accumulating nearly 5,000 flight hours. After three deployment extensions and an extraordinary 97 consecutive days at sea, HSM-72 returned to NAS Jacksonville in late May 2025, having demonstrated the enduring relevance of carrier-based maritime strike helicopters in modern naval warfare.
Perfect For: HSM-72 Proud Warriors members and veterans, HSL-42 alumni, CVW-1 personnel, USS Harry S. Truman crew members, MH-60R Seahawk aviators and aircrew, and Navy helicopter maritime strike community supporters.
A proud emblem of maritime strike excellence, honoring the Warriors who have defended freedom of navigation from the Atlantic to the Red Sea and beyond.
