US Navy Sea Dragon at the Bahrain Show
November 14, 2024
The first US aircraft to arrive at Sakhir Air Base for the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) was a US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon from Helicopter Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15, ‘Blackhawks’) based at Naval Station Norfolk but forward deployed to nearby Muharraq. The helicopter arrived on 12 November 2024.
The squadron is staffed by both active duty and reserve personnel and is tasked with locating and destroying sea-based mines and mapping safe sea-lanes of travel. Mines can be detonated by any number of methods ranging from contact to an electronic signature. The aircraft can tow various mine-clearing devices through the water while it hovers safely above the sea.
The US commitment of personnel and aircraft to the Bahrain International Airshow highlights the importance that it places on continued defence co-operation between allies and partners who share a vision for enduring peace and stability in the region.
