The Griffins are permanently deployed to COMNAVFOREUR

Following our news item of 6 December 2020 on the relocation of HSM-79 we can add some new information concerning the deployment of the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 Griffins.

The squadron is currently assigned to NAS North Island (CA), but it now became clear to us that the squadron will permanently deploy to Rota (Spain). The location shift is expected to be completed in 2022. Next to the relocation of the helicopter squadron, also eight US Navy warships have been tabbed for homeport shifts to Spain.

The add to the Commander US Naval Forces Europe (COMNAVFOREUR) will show us now the following US Navy Air Order of Battle in Europe:

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonalla (Italy)
- Executive Transport Department (ETD), C-20A
- Air Operations Department (AOD), C-26A
- a rotational Patrol Squadron, P-8A*
* Currently VP-46 Grey Knights ('RC-xxx'). The squadron is on its inaugural US Sixth Fleet deployment as a P-8 squadron.
Naval Support Element (NSA) Naples (Italy)
- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HCS) 28/Detachment 6 Dragon Whales, MH-60S, BR-xx
- Air Operations Department (AOD), C-26A
Naval Air Station (NAS) Rota (Spain)
- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 Griffins, MH-60R, xx

Photo: via seaforces.org