Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15) “Blackhawks” was established on 2 January 1987 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. The first of two deployable, Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadrons to receive the Sikorsky MH-53E “Sea Dragon” helicopter. On 21 April 1987, HM-15 was ordered by the CNO to change duty stations to Naval Air Station Alameda, California. HM-15 began initial flight operations in July 1987, with the receipt of their first MH-53E. On 28 September 1987, three squadron aircraft departed NAS Norfolk and arrived at NAS Alameda on 1 October 1987, officially reporting for duty under operational and administrative control of Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
November 1987 marked a major flight training milestone for HM-15, as initial AMCM flight training commenced, employing the MK-105 Magnetic, Influence Minesweeping System (Hydrofoil), the MK-104 Acoustic, Influence Minesweeping System and the ANISPU-1W Shallow-Water, Magnetic, Influence Minesweeping System. In December, the squadron disassembled and loaded two MH-53E helicopters into a USAF C-5A Galaxy aircraft, certifying the “Sea Dragon” air transport capability for the Navy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
From January to June of 1988, squadron flight and ground training continued to focus heavily on AMCM operations, using the ANIAQS-14 Side-Scan Minehunting Sonar System and the MK-103 Mechanical Minesweeping System. By June, the squadron had developed requisite proficiency in all mission areas.
In July 1988, HM-15 successfully completed a Mine Warfare Readiness Certification Inspection (MRCI). In October 1988, the first squadron detachment deployed to NAS North Island to conduct minesweeping operations. In September 1989, the squadron embarked onboard USS Tripoli (LPH-10) for PACEX-89, a joint exercise conducted throughout WESTPAC with allies Japan, Korea, and the Republic of the Philippines.
In October 1989, HM-15 exercised its secondary mission of vertical onboard delivery by providing airlift for disaster relief efforts following the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake, which effected the San Francisco Bay Area, thereby earning the Humanitarian Service Medal.
From January 1991 through April 1992, HM-15 deployed a three aircraft, 100-man detachment to the Persian Gulf in direct support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The “Blackhawks” transported over 3.2 million pounds of cargo and more than 4,000 personnel in support of combat units in the theater.
During mid-1994, the CNO directed the reshaping of the AMCM force structure by ordering the integration of the BLACKHAWKS of HM-15 with its reserve sister squadron, the GOLDEN BEARS of HM-19. HM-19 was disestablished on 17 September 1994, with the integrated squadron maintaining the HM-15 designation, mascot and insignia. The integration was completed on 5 November 1994.
In 1995, HM-15 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and a second Meritorious Unit Commedation, as well as the Battle Efficiency Award.
With the slated closure of NAS Alameda on 30 June 1996, the permanent duty station of HM-15 was officially moved to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, after nearly nine years of operations under Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
| Commanding Officer | Date Assumed Command |
|---|---|
| CDR Don F. Beach | OCT 1985 |
| CDR John W. Tennant | APR 1987 |
| CDR Gary P. Tornatore | OCT 1988 |
| CDR Keith W. Martello | DEC 1989 |
| CDR Bruce F. Russell | JAN 1991 |
| CDR Brian E. Dewey | FEB 1992 |
| CDR Thomas B. Davilli | MAY 1993 |
| CDR William E. Shannon | SEP 1994 |
| CDR John F. Vuolo | SEP 1995 |
| CDR John A. Brown | SEP 1996 |
| CDR Vito W. Jimenez | SEP 1997 |
| CDR Dale Howell | DEC 1998 |
| CDR Robert F. Riehl | MAR 2000 |
Links
— provided by Mr. Robert M. Cieri and Mr. Andy J. West
Looking for pictures from alameda 1992 through 1996 trying to find some I served with
Hi. We have all kinds of pictures of people, WITHOUT NAMES. We have not digitized those that have reference information. Good luck finding your people. When in Alameda, come visit us. Veterans are always welcome and admission for them is always free.
Regards, Robbie Dileo, Secretary
I was a military wife stationed with my ex husband who was a CO from 1990-1992. It was an interesting time. Thank you for serving.
Hi wheeler, not sure if you remeber me. i Served with you. Hope yo
ur doing well. I’m retired now. Good to see your name.
if you still looking for pictures, I was in alameda 92 to 94 HM 15,gladly will scan some !!
Please do scan, and send to our email please!
I was plankowner on HM-15. YN2 Tull. Went out to Alameda ahead of the squadron to set up Admin. Mayhavefew pics. Send your email.
I was with 15 from 1992 to 1998
was assigned to HM-15 AMCM Divsion from Jun,1992 – July 1995 at NAS Alameda ca. ADC (AW) Charles Jones
I WAS ATTACHED TO HM-19 THEN SWITCHED TO HM-15 AND THEN DOWN TO CORPUS CHRISTI.
SERVED FROM 92-97, WAS IN 12C SHOP.
I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A COUPLE OF PICTURES OF THOSE TIMES….
Kraig, thank you for your service keeping our aircraft up. We had a time of it, especially in CC with the wind and the salt spray. Cheers, JFV
I was an HM-15 Plank Owner, was on Pacex-89. My ex-wife was a Plank Owner in HM-19, an AK-2 who ordered and stowed all the equipment to stand up the Golden Bears, and one of first 5 women to deploy on a US Aircraft Carrier for Reserve Carrier Quals.
Who was the first Plank owner, the first person who checked on board
When I checked in at Norfolk at the beginning of 1987, there were about 20 guys already there. Clarence, were you already there when I checked in? I seem to remember you, but that was too long ago. We had a Mil-Van next to HM-12’s hanger, but not much else. We didn’t have a bird to break yet, though, and weren’t an official squadron yet, either. Most of us were sent TAD to HM-12’s “1st Lt.” shop until we had a FRAC/FRAMP class around May that year, I believe. I remember the excitement when we finally got a helo to work on! I think most of us were completely trained out by then. It seemed like time sprinted by. I didn’t care much for Norfolk, but did enjoy Alameda.
Hey there, I have been out of the loop for a while. I was there assigned to HM-15 but worked tad with HM-12 until we got our aircraft. We were attending Sikorsky led school on fuel systems and jet engines. I was a ADAN back then. I was on the move to Alameda and participated in the Coronado, Vancouver and PAC-ex 89 exercise. I am a plank owner but never see my name on any list, lol. I got out in 1990 and went to the reserves, then the Coast Guard as a PS3. Would love to hear from anyone that remembers me.
Respectfully,
Brian Keith
Yeah we all stood in line for the first helo….yeah!!!. Edgar P Caudle AD1. I was in the Mil Van next to HM 12 Hanger.
Moving HM-15 to Corpus Christi, Texas was not a very popular move. We enjoyed our stay in Northern California. However Texans opened their arms for us and we ended up doing well there. But wouldn’t you know it, we ended back where it all began anyways, Norfolk, VA.
Once a Blackhawk, always a Blackhawk.
John F. Vuolo
Former Commanding Officer of HM-15
CAPT USN Retired
I was in alameda from 1989 to 1992. I got out, then came back when they were getting ready to move to corpus. I was one of the first people in corpus. We worked out of this small building by the golf course. It was a tough transition but corpus was great to us. There are several of us that made corpus or home. I retired in 2011 and moved back to corpus in 2017. I’d love to get back to alameda one day to where it all began for me.
Served at NAS Alameda with HM-15 from Aug. 1988 through July 1992 as Aircrew and worked Air Frames Shop. My first earthquake was a month and a half after arriving (Loma Prieta) and was involved with earthquake relief operations as well deployment to Bahrain for Persian Gulf Operations.
Well well well…. Hi Randy. Hope you’re well. Stumbled onto this website and saw your post. Took me back to all the training and schools we attended before our final duty at HM-15. Scott Sanders AMS 3/Aircrew. ‘88-‘92
I served in HM-15 from 91 to 94 in the AE shop and aircrewman. I had many good times and also shared some sad ones with my brothers.
Had a great softball team coached by the one and only Tony San Felippe. Merry Xmas Blackhawks!
AE2(AW)AMCM Lee “Leebo” Fallis
Hey Lee. What a great bunch of guys back at HM-15. Blessed to have served with you all. I sure do miss playing softball with the boys on NAS Alameda! All the best.
Hey there Lee. I vaguely remember your name. I was an AT at HM-15 from ’91 to 94 and was attached to the AO shop as an AT (we worked on the fish) but my LPO was Tony San Felippe. What an extraordinary man he was! I worked on the line as a Plane Captain and Plane Captain instructor before getting into the AO shop. Sure had some amazing times there!
– AT3 / AC2 John Anton
I was stationed at this amazing base in my early twenties ! Some of the best times I ever had fixing cockpit instruments for MH-53 Helicopters and A-6 attack planes before they were decommissioned. This experience paved the way for my lifelong career in aviation to which I am still apart of. So grateful for the experience.
CDR. Martello was the best Skipper I ever had. I learned everything about honor and duty under his command and being a team player from all of the excellent men in this squadron. Once a Blackhawk, Always a Blackhawk!
If anyone has pictures from ’86 to ’90, care to share them with me? I used to be called, “Big Lew,” if that helps anyone remember me? I have no pictures but would love to recapture some memories. I was part of the originating crew in Norfolk, went through HM-12/HM-15 combined FRAC/FRAMP school and got my Plane Captain certs then worked the line. I did the homeport change to Alameda and worked both the powerplants shop and on the line as a Plane Capt.
until my clumsy backside took a bad fall and the Navy retired me to home in the spring of 1990.
My husband served with you as an Aviations Machinist Matein Power Plants. His name was Edgar P Caudle (Cuddles). Wondering if you every go any pics you would like to share. Ed was attached to HM!@ conversion to HM15 and ended up in Alameda and was part of the recovery after the big earthquake the helo that went down outside the bridge.
I do still have a lot of pictures I took during my tenure with HM-15. Fond memories. Will share with anyone who’s interested. Just email me.
Thank you, please do send to us at Tellus_Anam@aol.com and if you could a description of each picture, year taken, etc. whatever information you have.
Al
Hey Andy, saw a familiar name from the early days at hm-15,. Brings back memories
Hi Andy, this is Vicky Barker from years ago in the Navy. I would really like to hear from you.
Such a shame we had to move to Corpus Christi. Nothing wrong with the move itself, just Alameda was such a great place to fly around.
Cheers to all former Blackhawks. John F. Vuolo former CO of HM-15.
Hey Andy, saw a familiar name from the early days at hm-15,. Brings back memories
Hi hey Tom my name is James Caffall
I remember serving with you me and Everett Newman were all in the same shop together.
Hey James tried looking you up on FB. If you happen to be cruising through here again shoot me an email southco11@aol.com
I am an HM15 plank owner was with them for pac-ex 89. Some of my favorite memories of the Navy
Hey Greg tries looking you up on FB a couple times was wondering if you were still around the west coast. If you get a chance hit me up on FB or email me @ southco11@aol.com
Hey Greg! Saw your name, and wanted to say hello! We Had some good times in Alameda. I just heard Steve Gerome passed a few yrs ago. I’ll never forget our times in Norfolk, or Alameda! Hope your doing good brother. Hollar at me sometime…
IAM a HM-15 plank owner 87-90. Hey Greg! Saw your name, and wanted to say hello! We Had some good times in Alameda. I just heard Steve Gerome passed a few yrs ago. I’ll never forget our times in Norfolk, or Alameda! Hope your doing good brother. Hollar at me sometime…
I served at NAS Alameda from 91-93. I loved it and would do it all over again. Definitely miss all my fellow brothers. Once a Blackhawk, always a Blackhawk
Remember chasing the chief out of berthing with a trashcan
Do you remember chasing the chief around birthing with a trashcan?
Hello all. I am a HM-15 Plankowner who elected to move over from HM-14 when 15 was commissioned in Norfolk. 1987-1990… Andy DeGroot, how are you doing? I still think about you from time to time. Greg Mosher, good to see you’re still around. I recognize the name Thomas Crumley, but can’t see a face. Hope to talk to some of you again.
Kolin McIntire
AVCM(AW/NAC), USN, Retired
Hi I remembered serving with you I was a PR I worked in the same shop with Tom’s family
Hi my name is James Caffalll and I’m a plank owners with HM-15 Blackhawks joined up joined up with them in Norfolk Virginia and got out after we were in Alameda California like to hear from any other plank owners.
Edgar P Caudle – Plankowner
Hey Commander Evans this is James Caffall pr3 I don’t know if you remember me but you had a big influence on my life I hope you’re doing well.
Andy DeGroot, Dale Young here. Plank owner and fellow Avionics tech. I was with HM-16/HM-15 from 84-89. If I remember correctly, you had a gray streak through your left? eyebrow. If that’s you, I wanted to tell you I think about some of those conversations we had while walking the line for fod, especially the one about your creative use of Saran wrap.. Hope you are doing well..
3rd class AE big AL fernandez aircrew hm-15 plank owner norfolk-alameda been looking for greg allen harrison for 30 years roommate off-base housing norfolk remember 06 crash lost 8 dudes hermanson/ sully from conn. miss but not forgotten
Served under Mr Martello when he was a lieutenant in power plants 1978 to 1981 HM 12. He was one of the most respected officers to work for.
He instilled how to be professional and to want to be a better person. One of the best division officers I ever had
Great to see the thoughts and memories from former HM folks. I was in HM-16 from 1980-1983, later to the NARF/NADEP in Pensacola and last duty station at NAVAIR Washington DC for the MH-53 and glass cockpit. Hope it was a success.
Served HM-15 from 95-98 as a black shoe BM1 on The RIBS and then hazmat made the move from Alameda to Corpus retiring in 98 have lived in Corpus area of Texas since. Used to fish a bunch. Anyone around these parts want to catch up please give a holler.
I was in Hm-15 from 1986 while we were still in Norfolk, VA starting the Squadron from the first plane. I was CDI 003. I worked in the mech shop with Beauchamp, Tharpe, MC cully, Perez, S-11, and a bunch of other great guys. I was the last person to see the guys on 07 alive that fateful morning. It was one of the best squadrons I ever was in because of the leadership and the people. During that time I lived on a 27 foot sailboat in Fortmans marina.
I served in HM-15 from 1992-1994. I have a couple pictures of the Helo’s on the ground and in flight, I’ll gladly scan them if someone is interested. I definitely recognize some of the names on this board.
I am looking for a High Resolution photo of the HM15 Helicopter. My brother (now deceased) was attached to this squadron from 1986-90.
If you want, I can send you the pictures I have. The’re from late 1992 or early 1993.
HI All. I served at HM-15 from 1991 – 1994 in Alameda. I worked on the line as a plane captain and eventually plane captain instructor for a while under Eric Fischer. I was an AT but they assigned me to the AO shop as the AO’s and AT’s worked together on the MCM equipment. Our department was led by Mr. Tony San Felippe himself and just under him was a really cool guy by the last name of Verdeber I think it was. Probably some of the best times I had in the Navy back then. Great to see fellow HM-15’ers here!
Hey James tried looking you up on FB. If you happen to be cruising through here again shoot me an email southco11@aol.com
Going down memory lane here. Not sure if I ever made good on sending out images of what I took while with HM-15 & FRAC in Norfolk. Will see what I can find if I did forget. Just text me @ 209-640-0524
I served with HM 15 from 89-93 tad to l. Blackfoot department .L T. Larson. R.I.P.
SR Chief T.Zilla .Had some great times I’ll never forget. Lots of great people I won’t forget.
Served with HM15 from 1987 to 1990 Alameda, California. Plank owner. A lot of familiar names on here. Assigned to the PR shop
Yo was up Jones this is murdock