Jerry Brewster

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 36 (HSL-36) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established on 1 June 1973. The unit operated the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and utility support primarily to surface combatants as part of the Navy’s Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program. HSL-36 was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, and played a key role in enhancing fleet readiness during the Cold War by deploying detachments aboard frigates and destroyers. The squadron was disestablished on 30 September 1984 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter forces.

Sea Control Squadron 31 (VS-31), known as the "Topcats," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1948. Originally flying the Grumman TBM Avenger, the squadron later operated the S-2 Tracker and, most notably, the S-3 Viking. VS-31 served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, conducting carrier-based anti-submarine and sea control missions aboard various aircraft carriers. The squadron was deactivated in 2008, concluding over six decades of operational service.

NAS Jacksonville is a naval air station located in Jacksonville, Florida. It serves as a hub for the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The base also provides support for helicopter squadrons, naval operations, and a variety of tenant commands. NAS Jacksonville plays a crucial role in defending U.S. interests and maintaining maritime security in the region.

VS-32, known as the "Maulers," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established during World War II in 1943. The squadron initially flew SBD Dauntless and TBF Avenger aircraft, conducting patrol and convoy escort missions in the Atlantic. Reactivated during the Cold War, VS-32 operated S-2 Tracker and later S-3 Viking aircraft from various aircraft carriers, focusing on hunting submarines and maritime surveillance. The unit was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, and served with distinction until its deactivation in 1997.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 48 (HSL-48), known as the "Vipers," was established on September 7, 1984, at Naval Air Station Mayport, Florida. The squadron was part of the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and operated the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, specializing in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions. HSL-48 detachments deployed aboard guided missile frigates, destroyers, and cruisers, providing vital aerial support and extending the fleet’s operational reach. In 2015, as part of the Navy’s transition to the MH-60R Seahawk, HSL-48 was redesignated as Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 48 (HSM-48), continuing its legacy of excellence in maritime helicopter operations.

Sea Control Squadron 41 (VS-41), known as the "Shamrocks," was established on 30 June 1960 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. Originally tasked with training crews and maintaining aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), VS-41 played a key role in preparing aviators and maintenance personnel for operational deployment aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The squadron operated various aircraft over its history, most notably the S-3 Viking, which it supported from the early 1970s onward. After nearly 46 years of service, VS-41 was disestablished on 30 September 2006, having trained thousands of ASW specialists and contributed significantly to the Navy's maritime patrol capabilities.