The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 held a change of command ceremony aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Oct. 21.
The squadron’s personnel fell into formation on the ship’s flight deck to witness Cmdr. Jason Young assume command of HSC-12 from Cmdr. Jeffrey Holzer.
Holzer assumed command of HSC-12 in July 2013. During his tour, he led the squadron in support of Operation Damayan, the humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts in response to super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.
The ceremony included two MH-60S Seahawks that flew above George Washington, one piloted by Young, and one piloted by Holzer and Capt. William Koyama, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, who piloted while Holzer read official orders and executed the change of command.
Each helicopter flew past George Washington as the ceremony concluded to symbolize the passing of the command from Holzer to Young.
HSC-12’s primary mission is to effectively employ the versatility and lethality of the MH-60S Seahawk aircraft to support the strike group commander’s objectives. The missions include force protection, special operations, search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, and logistics.
The Golden Falcons are one of nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 5 embarked on George Washington that provide a combat-ready force to protect and defend the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Press release, Image: US Navy