HSM-51 Warlords Snoopy Patch Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51 (HSM-51), U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51 (HSM-51), the "Warlords," was established as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) Fifty-One (HSL-51) on 3 October 1991 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan—making it the only forward-deployed LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) Mark III squadron in the entire U.S. Navy. On 7 March 2013, the squadron was redesignated HSM-51, transitioning from the SH-60B to the advanced MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopter. Based at NAF Atsugi in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, the Warlords provide combat-ready armed anti-submarine and anti-surface helicopter detachments to ships of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, as well as executive transport for the Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. The squadron's insignia features the legendary 16th-century samurai Miyamoto Musashi, a master swordsman who perfected the two-sword technique called niten'ichi ("two heavens as one")—a symbol adopted in conjunction with the Japanese government reflecting the Warlords' commitment to martial excellence. Following the September 11 attacks, all eight HSL-51 detachments deployed in support of the Global War on Terror and Operation Noble Eagle across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Malacca, and Micronesia. When a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on 11 March 2011, HSM-51 surged five detachments within three days, relocating the entire squadron from Atsugi to NAF Misawa with less than 18 hours' notice. During Operation Tomodachi, the Warlords flew 118 sorties totaling 382 flight hours and delivered over 100 tons of critical relief supplies. Between 1991 and 1999, the Warlords participated in over 225 major operations and exercises, earning the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle "E" Award three times and the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for Undersea Warfare Excellence three times. Perfect For: HSM-51 Warlords members and veterans, HSL-51 alumni, 7th Fleet personnel, NAF Atsugi community members, MH-60R Seahawk enthusiasts, and supporters of forward-deployed naval aviation in the Western Pacific. A tribute to the Navy's only forward-deployed maritime strike helicopter squadron, standing vigilant watch across the Pacific from their home in Japan.
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