The “Jaguars” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 60 were named as the Naval Air Force Reserve Squadron of the Year and presented the Captain David McCampbell Trophy by Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Brad “Gunny” Dunham at an awards ceremony in the squadron’s hangar on Apr. 27.

The annual award is named for Capt. David McCampbell, who was the top naval ace of World War II and is considered the service's all-time leader in aerial combat. His spirit and leadership are what made his air group one of the war's most decorated, and they earned him the Medal of Honor.

“This squadron, in every aspect, has been a top performer,” said Dunham, addressing the “Jaguars” during the ceremony. “Everything you all do, you do exceptionally well. I can’t overstate how much I appreciate your hard work. It’s a true testament to the quality of your squadron and its leadership.”

HSM-60 Detachment 2 (HSM-60.2), spent the majority of 2022 deployed supporting near back-to-back operations embarked aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), supporting U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) operations.

"Receiving the McCampbell Award is an incredible honor for the HSM-60 team,” said HSM-60 Commanding Officer Ryan Meeuf. “I'm so proud of the Jaguars. Every member of the squadron worked hard, persevered through adversity, made personal sacrifices, and were all fully committed to the mission, and to each other, throughout the year. The operational tempo they supported was unprecedented for our squadron. Their remarkable success as a team and as an organization reflects the character and professionalism of every Jaguar sailor. I’m humbled and grateful to be part of this exceptional organization. “

HSM-60 is a Navy Reserve squadron that delivers strategic depth and surge force capabilities, providing commanders ready assets to support operational tasking on short notice.

As an operational HSM squadron, their primary mission is providing Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and Electronic Warfare (EW) support to the fleet, embarking two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters on air-capable surface ships.

Learn more about Capt. David McCampbell here.

CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.