Desert Ducks of HC-2 in Bahrain Bid Farewell After 33 Years of Service

Courtesy Photo | The Navy is retiring the H-3, known in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility as the Desert Ducks. The HSC-26 Desert Hawks assumed the combat logistics role in support of NAVCENT's maritime security operations (MSO) from the Desert Ducks Sept. 14. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. The Desert Ducks operated out of Bahrain for more than 30 years. Navy Photo by JO2 Elton Shaw.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

09.15.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Desert Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-26) took over the combat logistics mission in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) from the Desert Ducks of Helicopter Support Squadron (HC-2) in a change of detachment ceremony in Manama, Bahrain Sept. 14.

After more than 30 years of forward deployed service, the era of the Desert Ducks comes to an end as the Navy plans to replace all remaining H-3 airframes with the H-60S airframes.

The Sea King completed a transition phase in the mid-1990s, but a few of them were configured for logistical support and search and rescue missions like the ones flown by HC-2.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John W. Miller, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the guest speaker at the ceremony, said the transition from the H-3 to the H-60S will benefit maintenance crews -- and ultimately the fleet.

"With the switch we gain increased reliability, decreased maintenance time and maintenance cost
and increased commonality with other helicopter assets in the region," said Miller.

Miller called the H-3 a 'remarkable" airframe and one of the greatest helicopters ever built.

"For the entire time the Desert Ducks have been in service they've done a fantastic job. But these aircraft have been around since the 1960's, and it's time for the sun to set on the H-3," said Miller.

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Randy Eaton, of HSC-26, a Blair, Neb. native, also feels the change to the Desert Hawks is for the better.

"There's more we can do to the H-60S airframe than the H-3, such as add-ons. We just added a fuel tank to one the other day," said Eaton. "But the Ducks have done an incredible job over the years."

Lt. Cmdr. John Compton, the officer in charge of HC-2, said the H-3 airframe has a bigger cargo capacity, but the Desert Hawk, or H-60S, is much faster, flies better and the avionics are greatly improved. To compare the two is like comparing a 1957 Chevy Nomad to a 1999 Cadillac Deville, he said.

"One is more comfortable and has air conditioning. It's a pilot's aircraft. The other one's a workhorse. It has old gauges and has been around for 40 years, but it's done a good job," said Compton.

The Desert Ducks have provided "premier" helicopter logistics services to the Fifth Fleet, exemplifying the spirit of combat support, for 30 years, according to Cmdr. Jeffrey Connor, commanding officer of HC-2.

"Since 1976, when Lt. Cmdr. Bob Drake arrived in Bahrain with his detachment known as "Drake's Ducks," the word "Duck inbound!" passes over a ship's one 1MC has lifted the spirits of Sailors," Connor said.

"Duck inbound" is also synonymous with mail call; it means a shipmate is departing and another one is arriving. It means a needed part is nearly on hand to put a combat ship back on the line in defense of freedom, said Connor.

The Ducks have played a vital role in NAVCENT's area of responsibility. Now the Hawks play a major role in NAVCENT maritime security operations (MSO).

"As far as maritime security operations go, our mission is to provide logistics support to the ships in the region. It doesn't matter if we're at war or at peace. Our mission stays the same," said Compton.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or
other material.

Although the Ducks are gone, they won't be forgotten. Cmdr. Kenneth Inglesby, commanding officer of HSC-26, said their standard of excellence will always be remembered.

"The Desert Ducks of HC-2 have a long history of outstanding service and support to the fleet. I congratulate them and all those who have served with the Ducks and have set the standards of excellence so high," said Inglesby.

The Desert Ducks may be retiring from the Navy, but they will continue to serve once in the states, said Aviation Mechanic 1st Class Michael Glidewell, of HC-2, from Louisville, Ky., the most senior member of the Desert Ducks.

"It's sad to see them go, but they've done their duty. They've been very reliable over the years, now they'll go to Moffin, Ariz., where many of them will be sold and hopefully do as good as a job they've done for us," said Glidewell.

Glidewell said the Los Angeles Police Department bought one of the H-3 helicopters.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2005
• Date Posted: 09.15.2005 14:17
• Story ID: 3020
• Location: MANAMA, BH