HM-15 moves into new home at NS Norfolk

The Navy officially welcomed Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) to Hampton Roads Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Squadron's new hangar at Naval Station Norfolk.

The move brings around 700 Naval personnel and nearly a dozen helicopters to the area.

HM-15, known as the Blackhaws, moved to Norfolk from Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, in accordance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations.

Ironically, their new hanger sits on the real estate formerly occupied by the Naval Aviation Depot, a Norfolk unit eliminated by BRAC.

Because another Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron, HM-14, is already homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, the Navy says relocating HM-15 ensures all mine warfare aircraft are located in a fleet concentration area. The Navy adds the relocation supports the HM-15 mission by locating them closer to the mine countermeasures ship and helicopter coordinated exercises.

Click here to see additional pictures of the new hanger, along with comments from members of HM15 on their relocation to Norfolk, on the squadron's Facebook page.