M/V DON CARLOS
The Sikorsky SH-60B of HSL-44 normally answered to its squadron call sign—“Magnum”—but for this operation its identity was intentionally generic. As arranged on a discreet UHF channel two hours before, the VHF transmissions would be short and cryptic.
Maas’s senior watch stander was on the bridge when the Mayport-based sub hunter made its approach. “Charlie Delta, this is U.S. Navy helicopter. I am approaching your starboard quarter. Where do you want your supplies? Over.”
The merchant officer glanced rearward, saw nothing, but sensed the geometry of the situation. He keyed his mike. “Ah, Navy helicopter, we are ready on the bow. Over.”
Two mike clicks acknowledged the instruction. Moments later the gray Sea Hawk hove into view off the starboard beam and settled into a thirty-foot hover over the bow. The crew chief winched down three rectangular metal containers that the deckhands hauled in. Fighting the rotor wash, they disconnected the load and set each container aside. The helo then delivered a smaller box that was easier to handle.
Jeff Malten supervised the operation and quickly inspected the contents of each container. Satisfied, he stood up and waved to the HSL-44 Swamp Fox’s detachment commander. The helo pilot nodded, added power, pulled pitch, and motored away.
Malten led the way into the vessel’s superstructure where other SSI operators were waiting. “Are we set?” Pope asked.
“Affirmative. Three ’60s and about a thousand rounds of linked ammo.”
“Okay. Get ’em ready. We need to function test every one and then work out the best way to mount them.”
Malten nodded, then asked, “Who do you want for shooters?”
“Whoever’s the most experienced. I’ll leave that to you. But keep our naval people for the boarding party.”
Malten eyed his senior colleague. “Wish we had night sights. It’d be a lot quicker target acquisition.”
“There’s nothing we can do about that, Jeff. Besides, I think the muzzle flash will white out the NVGs. We’ll just have to establish fire superiority from the start.”
“Well, yeah. But if we don’t, there’s no way we can get aboard.”
Pope slapped his friend’s arm. “That’s why we get the big bucks.”