Naval Station Norfolk becoming East Coast Master Helo Base

[maddog65]

http://www.wvec.com/news/military/Naval ... 39514.html
Click the link for video story.. Love the sound of the turbo props (Hawkeyes and Greyhounds)
by Mike Gooding

13NEWS / WVEC.com

Posted on April 29, 2010 at 3:16 PM

Updated Thursday, Apr 29 at 5:39 PM


NORFOLK -- By 2014, Naval Station Norfolk will be the East Coast's Master Helicopter Base, home to 13 helicopter squadrons.

That means $250 million in upgrades for the new, specialized training area at Chambers Field.

The Navy's helicopters are called on to conduct combat search and rescue missions as well as provide support for Special Operations Forces and maritime homeland security, thus the need for weapons.

Earlier versions operating from Naval Station Norfolk didn't involve missions requiring armed operations.

For the first time, the sailors can practice loading ammunition for armed missions without leaving Norfolk and their families.

"It's invaluable. Anytime you have the opportunity to conduct these types of operations in a very static environment, it allows you to troubleshoot, to do 'what if' scenarios. It allows you to, in a very controlled environment, train folks so when you've got less than ideal conditions, you're better pr eared," said Capt. K.J. Johnson, the commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk.

Currently, eight helicopter sea combat (HSC) squadrons and two helicopter mine countermeasures squadrons call Naval Station Norfolk home.

The Navy estimates the improvements and arrival of three HSC squadrons to Norfolk will have a $325 million impact on the Hampton Roads economy.

edit..
Also a Marine helo squadron calls Norfolk home

[Victory103]

As much as I hated flying up from NAS Jax to NS Norfolk to get on the boat, this makes sense overall. Although most of my former HS squadronmates are not looking forward to the move, with HS-3 (now HSC-9) already up at Norfolk.

[MIKE JG]

It's turning into spotters heaven over there with Langley, NAS Norfolk and NAS Oceana all right there.

[DeepSea-Two-One]

20 years in the US Navy, and never been to Norfolk or Oceana - and proud of it.

FS is close enough.