Anti Submarine Warfare is a vital capability that is fulfilled by multiple assets within the United States Naval Aviation. The MH-60R Seahawk is one of these vital assets and as a part of the Carrier Air Wing capable to pinpoint any possible contacts that might pose a threat to the fleet. The MH-60R Seahawk can be configured for any specific mission which means the helicopter can easily be adapted to the challenges that lie ahead.

HSM-71 “Raptors” is a Naval Aviation helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island. The “Raptors” are currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and deploy to CVN-72 USS Abraham Lincoln.

The squadron was formed on 04 October 2007 and was the first fleet squadron to receive the MH-60R Seahawk. The squadron received its first Battle “E” two years later in 2009. The Navy “E” Ribbon denotes the wearer was on permanent duty aboard a U.S. Navy ship or in a unit that won a battle efficiency competition, and was also awarded the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for superior air anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in 2009 and again in 2010. Among other awards, in 2022, HSM-71 won the Admiral J. S. “Jimmy” Thach Award, awarded for outstanding achievements and contributions to naval aviation as well as 2022 Battle “E”.