Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego – Cmdr. Dane R. Mutschler, commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73, Lt. Benjamin C. Fornshill, and Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter 1st Class Jacob H. Louderback, all assigned to HSM-73, gave interviews after the squadron returned to its homeport on Dec. 6, 2025.

The return followed operations with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets.

An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides realistic, relevant training needed to carry out the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations.

U.S. 3rd Fleet works alongside allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law, and other principles that support security across the Indo-Pacific region.

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