US Navy final two MH-53E pilots
The last US Navy pilots to qualify to operate the MH-53E Sea Dragon are completing the final phases of their training while assigned to training squadron Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 in Norfolk.
According to a US Navy news release, Lt. Jack Griffin and Lt. Keven Humphreys, are set to close the chapter on the aircraft’s 42-year history of qualifying pilots to operate the storied MH-53E Sea Dragon.
This specialized helicopter, renowned for its Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) capabilities, is drawing close to the end of its operational life with a sunset ceremony planned for March 2025. The MH-53E, introduced to the US Navy in 1982, has long served as a critical asset in mine hunting, sweeping, and neutralization, as well as a heavy-lift aircraft transporting troops and equipment.
Since 1986, HM-12 has qualified over 580 naval aviators to operate the MH-53E spanning nearly five generations.
As the Navy phases out this iconic aircraft, Griffin and Humphreys will be the last pilots to master its unique skill set while the last two remaining squadrons – HM-12 and HM-15 – prepare for the sundown of this aircraft type model series.
A special ceremony to honor US Navy final MH-53E pilots
Both men originally set their sights on serving as naval officers but did not initially envision becoming naval aviators.
Humphreys credits his inspiration to join the aviation community from experiences a close friend of his brothers shared after joining the US Marine Corps to serve as a fighter pilot.
“Growing up, I looked up to my best friend’s brother,” Humphreys recalled. “I knew I wanted to serve and become a leader in the military, but becoming a pilot wasn’t initially part of my plan. Seeing him as a leader and a pilot was pretty cool, though.”
Griffin emphasized what he likes best about serving in the MH-53E community.
“The MH-53E community is extremely tight-knit,” Griffin said. “There is a close relationship between pilots and aircrewmen. Everyone is down-to-earth and focused on the mission. I really appreciate how well the crews work together to get the job done.”
As the MH-53E nears its retirement, Griffin and Humphreys are still preparing for their final missions and upcoming overseas deployment and will continue to enhance their proficiency with the aircraft.
“We are excited to be here,” Griffin said. “We love what we do and where we are right now.”
A special ceremony will be held to honor Griffin and Humphreys as they mark the end of an era and their place in history as preparations are being made to sundown the MH-53E Sea Dragon. This event will celebrate their contributions and the legacy of an aircraft that has played a pivotal role in Naval Aviation history.
HM-12
HM-12 safely trains pilots and aircrewmen to employ the Navy’s MH-53E assets worldwide in a variety of missions.
Formed from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SIX (HC-6) Detachment 53, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron TWELVE (HM-12) was established aboard Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia on Apr. 1, 1971. As the first squadron of its kind, HM-12 functioned uniquely as both an operational unit and as a readiness training squadron.
HM-12 took delivery of its first MH-53E “Sea Dragon” helicopter on May 28, 1987. The Sea Dragon was a potent addition to the Navy’s mine countermeasures arsenal. The MH-53E represented a quantum leap forward for the AMCM community.
Prior to being disestablished as a Fleet Replacement Squadron on Sep. 30, 1994, HM-12 achieved over 23 years of mishap-free operations and logged over 75,000 mishap-free flight hours while qualifying 768 pilots, 1,200 aircrew and 11,900 maintenance personnel. The AMCM Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS), in partnership with HMT 302 and then later HM-14, assumed responsibility for fleet replacement training from 1994 to 2015. On Oct. 1, 2015 HM-12 had the distinct honor of re-establishing as the Navy’s newest and finest helicopter squadron, continuing its legacy for years to come.
The Sea Dragon
The MH-53E Sea Dragon has two primary missions; AMCM and Navy heavy lift/Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD).
The Sea Dragon is the Navy’s dedicated AMCM platform, capable of mine hunting, mine sweeping, and mine neutralization through the use of various AMCM devices towed behind the aircraft. Additionally, as a heavy-lift helicopter, it is capable of rapidly transporting troops and equipment from ship to shore.
The MH-53E incorporates a Precision Navigation System (PNS) utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS), Doppler radar, and an Approach/Hover/Tow Coupler. Communications include Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/ Very High Frequency (VHF)/ High Frequency (HF) radios, secure communications capability, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). There are currently 28 MH-53E aircraft in operation. Currently out of production, the Navy is in the process of evaluating its requirement for both AMCM and VOD missions beyond 2025.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab / U.S. Navy
