Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 19 (HM-19)

HM-19 was formed at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, on 9 January 1989. As the Naval Reserve's second Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) squadron, it initially operated the RH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter under the control of Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve. This establishment marked a significant expansion of the Navy's mine countermeasure capabilities.

In January 1993, HM-19, known as the "Golden Bears," began transitioning to the MH-53E Sea Dragon Helicopter. This transition was not a small task; it required extensive retraining of both maintenance and aircrew personnel. To facilitate this monumental undertaking, the "Golden Bears" of HM-19 collaborated with the "Black Hawks" of HM-15 in a cooperative training effort. This effort revolved around two of HM-15's helicopters and became known as Det Three, or more colloquially, "The Pink Det."

The transition process began with a small group of HM-19 personnel working onboard HM-15, where they learned to fly and maintain the Sea Dragon. After transferring the Sea Stallions to the U.S. Marine Corps, HM-15 manned a detachment and sent it to HM-19. This joint initiative between the Reserve and Regular Navy was a huge success, creating a blueprint for future reserve squadron transitions.

Comprising 325 officers and men, HM-19 constituted an impressive twenty percent of the nation's Airborne Mine Countermeasures capability. These personnel were highly skilled, trained to operate and maintain the Sikorsky MH-53E helicopters and an extensive array of sophisticated equipment necessary for naval mine detection and destruction.

The squadron's excellence was recognized through several awards, including the Chief of Naval Operations "Aviation Safety Award" for 1989, 1990, and 1993, and the 1989 Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve "Retention Excellence Award."

However, the history of HM-19 came to an end on 5 November 1994, when it was disestablished and integrated with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15).

The legacy of HM-19, the "Golden Bears," is immortalized through the merchandise available on Tactically Acquired. With a range of products including t-shirts, hoodies, decals, patches, and flags, fans and former members of the squadron can celebrate its history and achievements. These carefully designed items serve as a tribute to HM-19's exceptional service, its groundbreaking collaboration with HM-15, and its critical role in naval mine countermeasure operations. By owning a piece of this collection, you are not only honoring the legacy of HM-19 but also becoming a part of a proud tradition that resonates with honor, excellence, and innovation.