Through the ceremony, Cmdr. Thomas Butts, of Erlanger, Kentucky, assumed all duties and duties because the HSC-7 commanding officer from Cmdr. Kevin Chambley, of Chesapeake, Virginia. Persevering with Chambley’s imaginative and prescient for the squadron, Butts intends to construct upon the tradition of excellence, and proceed the squadron’s excellent file for readiness and mission accomplishment. These have been excessive priorities for each commanders.
Throughout Chambley’s time at HSC-7, the “Dusty Canines” accomplished two back-to-back record-breaking deployments throughout a pandemic, with an unprecedented 206 steady days at sea with none port calls. HSC-7 is at present beginning one other workup cycle in preparation for his or her subsequent deployment.
“What we now have achieved during the last thirty months is outstanding and extraordinary,” Chambley stated as he mirrored on his time with the squadron. “I’m extraordinarily proud to [have been] your commanding Officer. It’s bittersweet. This tour has been the spotlight of my profession, and I recognize everybody’s exhausting work, dedication to mission success, and the excellent tradition that we now have constructed. [The Dusty Dogs] are a drive to be reckoned with.”
Chambley then went on to want Butts, and everything of HSC-7, the most effective as he turned over the management of his squadron. “I’ve little question that [Cmdr. Butts] will proceed the Dusty traditions and its legacy because the main helicopter squadron within the fleet… Suppose optimistic, be optimistic. As soon as a Dusty, all the time a Dusty…One pack, one battle.”
Butt stated “[Skipper Chambley] led throughout a world pandemic that created a completely new set of challenges. After coming back from deployment, he reset…and as soon as once more deployed with a fight prepared squadron ready to conduct our nation’s enterprise. Dusty answered the decision and moreover received the Battle “E” below his management. Group Dusty is in good arms, we’ll proceed to construct upon the inspiration that [he] established.”
Butts expressed his gratitude to all the individuals he’s come throughout in his 27 year-long profession which have made him into the officer and chief that he’s at the moment. “There’s zero doubt that I hit the jackpot with each [the XO and the CMC]…I’m wanting ahead to working alongside [them] in constructing our tradition and making ready Group Dusty to reply the decision.”
Butts closed his remarks by addressing the officers and sailors standing in formation within the hangar. He referred to them as “our Nation’s most interesting” and stated, “Group Dusty, my promise to you is that I’ll carry my greatest daily. In return, all I ask is that you simply carry your greatest…I’m proud to be a Dusty Canine and serve by your aspect. It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be your Commanding Officer.”
HSC-7 is a direct report back to Commander, Provider Air Wing 3. The first missions of HSC-7 are Maritime Assault, Fight Logistics, Personnel Restoration, Naval Particular Warfare help, and Search and Rescue (SAR).
