An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from around the Fleet

HM-12 WELCOMES NEW COMMANDING OFFICER

23 July 2021

From By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sam Jenkins

The “Sea Dragons” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12
stationed aboard Naval Station Norfolk, held a change of command ceremony, July 22, to mark a
transition of command leadership.
Download Icon Download

During the change of command event, Cmdr. Andrea M. Ragusa, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, assumed all duties and responsibilities as the HM-12 commanding officer from Capt. Patrick J. Murphy, of New Baltimore, Michigan.

During his time at HM-12, Murphy worked with the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters program office, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Aviation Support Detachment Norfolk, Naval Mine and Surface Warfare Center, Panama City and Director of Expeditionary Warfare to improve the mission capable and full mission capable rate of MH-53Es throughout the fleet.

Murphy also worked to test, train and qualify HM-12 in the use of the Bambi Bucket to support aerial firefighting missions. His efforts aided in establishing the East Coast’s first Rotary
Aerial Firefighting Capability.

“It has been an honor to work with the team at HM-12,” said Murphy. “They have come together and accomplished every goal that was set before them. I feel privileged to have been part of the Sea Dragon family.”

Ragusa began her military career as an enlisted U.S. Army soldier, transitioning between the two branches after completing Officer Candidate School in 2001 – successfully being commissioned as a Navy Ensign. She earned her wings of gold and became a naval aviator in
2003.

Ragusa has served with the “Vanguard” of HM-14 and the “Blackhawks” of HM-15 as her operational assignments logging over 1,700 hours of flight time primarily in the MH-53E Sea Dragon. Now, she is planning to uphold a strong standard of readiness during her upcoming time at HM-12.

HM-12 Formation flight
HM-12 Formation flight
HM-12 Formation flight
N/A
HM-12 Formation flight
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: N/A
VIRIN: 210630-N-NU634-066


“I am confident that the Sailors of HM-12 will continue to be the very best Fleet Replacement Squadron in the United States Navy,” said Ragusa. “I look forward to the weeks and months ahead as we provide quality pilots and air crewmen to the Fleet.”

HM-12’s mission is to safely train pilots and air crewmen to employ the Navy’s MH-53E Sea Dragon assets worldwide. They are tasked to support two primary missions, Airborne Mine Counter Measure mission and the Navy Vertical Onboard Delivery mission to support expeditionary forces.

 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea   |   PSC 478 Box 1   |   FPO AP, 96212-0001
Official U.S. Navy Website