HSC-25 Welcome Welcome Aboard - Skipper Dear ISLAND KNIGHT, Hafa Adai. Welcome to Guam and to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWENTY-FIVE (HSC-25), home of the world famous "ISLAND KNIGHTS." Congratulations! You are joining the Navy's premier helicopter squadron. Welcome to the team! Our squadron deploys helicopter detachments to conduct Sea Combat operations in support of the Fleet, National Defense and the Global War on Terrorism. In addition, we provide logistics, search and rescue, force protection, and disaster response support to the Territory of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. We have a rich history dating back to February 3rd, 1984 when our squadron was commissioned as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (HC-5). For twenty years HC-5 lead the way by supplying much of the airborne logistics power to the 5th and 7th Fleets. Flying the tandem-rotor H-46 Seaknight helicopter, the HC-5 PROVIDERS moved literally millions of tons of supplies and ammunition, thousands of personnel, and performed hundreds of lifesaving SAR and MEDEVAC missions. It is our proud legacy of service and support. You are joining the command at a critical time of change. In 2004, HC-5 led the way by being the first operational squadron in the Navy to retire the venerable H-46 and receive the tactically superior MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter. On April 21st, 2005, the squadron was one of the first to be re-designated under the CNO's Helicopter Concept of Operations. Today, our squadron is in the midst of transforming to execute our new tactical Sea Combat mission set. During your tenure as an ISLAND KNIGHT, you will witness the delivery of advanced mission kits and aircraft upgrades that will expand our tactical capabilities. We are truly leading the way! Guam is a beautiful island rich in culture and history. As a forward-deployed, expeditionary squadron, HSC-25 is the only permanently stationed naval aviation and rotary wing asset on the island. Our squadron fills important roles both in the military and in the community. As a tenant command on Andersen Air Force Base, we are also an important part of Team Andersen. Our reputation of service and excellence is well known throughout the region. Your tour at HSC-25 promises to be challenging and rewarding. You will have many opportunities for varied operational experiences. As an ISLAND KNIGHT, you will share the responsibility of maintaining the high standards of performance that earned this squadron its well-deserved reputation for excellence. We will train you to be the Navy's finest tacticians and technicians. Then, we will capitalize on your talents and expertise to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Welcome to the team. You are now one of the best! Island Knights...we lead the way! ______________________________________________________________________________________ Welcome Aboard - CMC Welcome Aboard. I am Master Chief Etienne and we look forward to your arrival. We have the best-equipped, best-trained, and most capable Sailors in the Navy. We accomplish this by making our Sailors and their families our most important resource. As such, our priority is to ensure a smooth transition to the squadron for you and your family. As soon as we receive your orders you will be assigned a sponsor. If you are currently under orders and have not received a sponsor or package, please contact me immediately and I will ensure one is forwarded to you. Additionally, please contact your sponsor as soon as possible and let them know what additional information will be required. If your orders are short-fused contact the command and we will provide assistance as required. Be advised that Guam is a high cost area, and adequate housing can be expensive. As directed on your orders, you are required to check in with the housing office PRIOR to negotiating a contract or lease for off-base housing. Base housing is available. As Command Master Chief, I take a great deal of interest in incoming personnel. If you have any questions that you would like answered prior to arriving in Guam, please write or e-mail me at roger.etienne@hsc25.navy.mil. I hope that your trip is pleasant and once again, WELCOME to the award winning ISLAND KNGHTS.