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Helicopter squadrons return to Norfolk after providing humanitarian relief in Puerto Rico

Posted at 3:40 PM, Oct 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-31 16:44:51-04

NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Navy helicopter squadrons have returned to Norfolk after providing humanitarian relief in Puerto Rico following devastation from Hurricane Maria.

Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons 5 and 7, and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) squadrons 14 and 15, have returned to Norfolk Naval Station Chambers Field following their participation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Puerto Rico.

"Nobody is ever sad to see you. So it’s very rewarding. It’s just an extremely rewarding experience in that way to be the first friendly face that people see," Lieutenant Junior Grade Sam Stoess told News 3 anchor Todd Corillo Tuesday.

The air crews flew their MH-60S "Sea Hawk" and MH-53E "Sea Dragon" helicopters supporting residents who have been without food, water, and electricity since the storm hit the island earlier this month.