HS-9
Encyclopedia
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9 (HS-9) was an Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron
helicopter squadron of the United States Navy
that was originally commissioned in 1956 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point
, Rhode Island
with five HSS-1 “Seabat” helicopters. The squadron was deactivated in 1968. A new HS-9 was commissioned in 1976, deploying eight, Sikorsky
SH-3H “Sea Kings”. It was again decommissioned in 1993.
HS-9 saw combat in the Middle East during the 1990-1991 Gulf War
and deployed around the globe, including the Arctic Circle
and Cape Horn
. The squadron also appeared on the silver screen in the movie The Final Countdown.
The “Sea Griffins” adopted a uniform patch design that included a Griffin standing on the deck of an aircraft carrier breaking a submarine into two pieces.
On 1 June 1956, the Navy's first all weather helicopter squadron was established at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island
as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron NINE (HS-9). The squadron began with five HSS-1 "Seabat" helicopters flown and supported by 20 officers and 100 enlisted men (tail code "HE"). HS-9 was first assigned to the aircraft carrier and made two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean in 1957 and 1958. After retirement of the Leyte, HS-9 was assigned to the and operated in the Atlantic Ocean in 1959.
On 2 May 1960, HS-9 joined with anti-submarine squadrons VS-34 Proud Tigers and VS-39 Hoot Owls in ceremonies establishing Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group 60 (CVSG-60) (tail code "AW"), thus forming the genesis of the Hunter/Killer Groups of the sixties and early seventies. From 1960 to 1966 CVSG-60 operated from the deck of in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. In October 1962 the Sea Griffins flew numerous antisubmarine and surface ship surveillance missions in support of the quarantine of Cuba
. At its peak in 1964, HS-9 had a complement of 50 officers and 260 enlisted men. In 1963 HS-9 transitioned to the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King
.
By the time the squadron celebrated its tenth birthday in 1966, it had acquired over 55,000 flight hours and more than 15,000 ship-board landings. In 1966 CVSG-60 made a single deployment aboard the Randolph
. From May to September 1967 a four aircraft detachment (HS-9 Detachment 66) embarked on in support of initial feasibility studies of the "CV Concept." While aboard, the Sea Griffins aided in the evacuation of casualties from , which was attacked in the Mediterranean
during the October 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict
. From February to June 1968 CVSG-60 made a last deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, again on the Essex. After this tour the Essex was retired, and VS-34, VS-39 and HS-9 were disestablished, the Sea Griffins on 1 October 1968.
The modern-day Sea Griffins' second Mediterranean deployment was interrupted in January 1980 when the Nimitz/CVW-8 team was dispatched to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iranian crisis. While on "Gonzo Station:' HS-9 continued to fly its diverse missions in support of the battle group as Nimitz set a new record for consecutive days at sea. The 1981-82 Mediterranean cruise saw the Sea Griffins expand their already long tradition of ASW readiness. The squadron pioneered the "Flex-Deck" concept, introduced its close-in ASW defense techniques to the nuclear cruisers and , shattered the submarine contact time record for current frontline HS Squadrons and became the first HS squadron ever to win the coveted Sixth Fleet "Hook-em" award for ASW excellence. This tradition of ASW readiness continued during the 1982-83 Mediterranean cruise. HS-9 was awarded its second "Hook-em" award and the prestigious Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for overall excellence and superior performance in anti-submarine warfare. HS-9 participated in numerous training evolutions during USS Nimitz's extensive overhaul and workups for the 1985 Mediterranean cruise. During that time, the Sea Griffins were awarded four consecutive Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing One maintenance trophies and the Carrier Air Wing EIGHT "Top Wrench" award for superb professionalism and maintenance excellence.
During their 1985 Mediterranean deployment, HS-9 shattered its previous submarine contact and tracking record during operations against Soviet
and other non-allied submarines, resulting in the Sea Griffins winning their third "Hook-em" award. 1986 saw HS-9 again preparing for deployment, embarking aboard Nimitz for training and workup phases, the first under the new "Super Cag" concept. Continuing their success, the Sea Griffins were again awarded the Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence for the year 1985 and the Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing ONE maintenance awards for July through December 1985 and January through June 1986. During the advanced phase of workups the Nimitz, with HS-9 aboard, participated in the NATO exercise "Northern Wedding" from August through October 1986. HS-9 was awarded the Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, "Top Wrench" award for superior maintenance for the workup phases. During the 1986-87 Mediterranean cruise, HS-9 participated in several major exercises, the highlight of which was "Dragon Hammer," a NATO exercise that included over 60 ships and 200 aircraft.
The 1986-87 Mediterranean cruise marked HS-9s fourth and final deployment aboard USS Nimitz. The Sea Griffins escorted the Nimitz around Cape Horn
and made a brief appearance in the Pacific Ocean before departing the ship in San Diego and returning to Jacksonville.
aboard the Roosevelt to participate in Operation "Desert Storm"
. Transiting through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal
, the Griffs set aside their traditional role of ASW to hone their skills in "Strike Rescue". They expanded the capabilities of the SH-3H on the transit to the Persian Gulf by installing the DALS (Downed Aviator Locator System) and Global Positioning System
into the SH-3H aircraft. To increase the capabilities of the aircrew, HS-9 operated ten sets of Night Vision Goggles. By the time the Theodore Roosevelt arrived on station in the Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Storm had already begun.
To expand their range, HS-9 sent two aircrews forward deployed in the northern Persian Gulf to be stationed onboard the and . The "Griffs" distinguished themselves during the war with the discovery and destruction of 13 anti-ship mines
. Working with Special Forces units
, the Sea Griffins captured 35 Iraqi enemy prisoners of war (EPW's). During the 1990-91 Mediterranean Cruise the Sea Griffins were awarded two consecutive "THEODORE ROOSEVELT" awards and the coveted "GOLDEN WRENCH" award. The Griffs amassed a total of 917 sorties and 2841 hours; the most impressive month by far being February, with a total of 235 sorties and 747 combat flight hours. The HS-9 Sea Griffins and Theodore Roosevelt rounded up the cruise by participating in Operation Provide Comfort
assisting the Kurdish
refugees.
In October 1991, HS-9 left CVW-8 and joined CVW-17 aboard . Despite a severely compressed turnaround cycle, the Sea Griffins managed to complete a rigorous training schedule, including Operation "Fabric Falcon Brave," in preparation for MED 2-92 deployment. HS-9 was awarded the prestigious Battle "E"
and Safety "S" awards for 1991 in recognition of their hard work and dedication. In May 1992, HS-9 left on deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. Several important milestones were reached during the cruise, including surpassing 50,000 hours of mishap-free flying over an 11-year period. The squadron flew an unprecedented 3,353 hours during 987 sorties over the six month deployment while receiving two "Golden Wrench" Awards and the Saratoga "Professional Excellence" Award. The Sea Griffins also completed over 1,000 small deck landings in the course of delivering over 65,000 pounds of cargo and transferring over 1,000 passengers to various ships of the battle group. The Sea Griffins continued to expand the role of the HS community by remaining on the cutting edge in such mission areas as Combat Search and rescue (CSAR)
, Maritime Interdiction
, Surface Surveillance Coordination (SSC), and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training. The use of innovative tactics and increased integration with Marine
and Special Warfare
elements provided the Battle Group Commander with unparalleled flexibility to deal with any contingencies. The Sea Griffins participated in numerous training exercises with NATO allies during this deployment, the highlight of which was "Display Determination."
After having flown around the clock for the previous 60 hours in support of this operation, HS-9 flexed to provide five aircraft for the rescue effort to assist the stricken Turkish destroyer, TCG Muavenet (DM 357). The squadron transported a trauma team, firefighting personnel, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team as well as over 4,000 pounds of equipment during hazardous night hoisting evolutions.
and HMCS Bonaventure
. HS-9 has shown the flag in more than 20 countries, providing ASW protection from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean
and probing the depths of the sea from north of the Arctic Circle
to south of Cape Horn
.
HS-9 Reunion. More than 100 Officers and Enlisted Men from the Reestablished 1976-1979 Era Sea Griffin Squadron met for the first time on September 30th and October 1st 2011 in Orange Park Florida. The Original Commanding Officer, Bob Dalton, was the featured speaker at the formal sit down dinner on October 1st. Also speaking was Admiral Steve Tomaszeski, who was a Lieutenant with the 1976-1979 squadron, and Anna Dennis, the widow of the re-established squadron's third Commanding Officer, Jake Dennis, who was featured in The Final Countdown (as the helicopter pilot).
Anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
helicopter squadron of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
that was originally commissioned in 1956 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point was a United States Naval Base in Quonset Point, Rhode Island that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabees. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut,...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
with five HSS-1 “Seabat” helicopters. The squadron was deactivated in 1968. A new HS-9 was commissioned in 1976, deploying eight, Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut. Its parent company is United Technologies Corporation.-History:...
SH-3H “Sea Kings”. It was again decommissioned in 1993.
HS-9 saw combat in the Middle East during the 1990-1991 Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
and deployed around the globe, including the Arctic Circle
Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. For Epoch 2011, it is the parallel of latitude that runs north of the Equator....
and Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
. The squadron also appeared on the silver screen in the movie The Final Countdown.
The “Sea Griffins” adopted a uniform patch design that included a Griffin standing on the deck of an aircraft carrier breaking a submarine into two pieces.
History
Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point was a United States Naval Base in Quonset Point, Rhode Island that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabees. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut,...
as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron NINE (HS-9). The squadron began with five HSS-1 "Seabat" helicopters flown and supported by 20 officers and 100 enlisted men (tail code "HE"). HS-9 was first assigned to the aircraft carrier and made two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean in 1957 and 1958. After retirement of the Leyte, HS-9 was assigned to the and operated in the Atlantic Ocean in 1959.
On 2 May 1960, HS-9 joined with anti-submarine squadrons VS-34 Proud Tigers and VS-39 Hoot Owls in ceremonies establishing Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group 60 (CVSG-60) (tail code "AW"), thus forming the genesis of the Hunter/Killer Groups of the sixties and early seventies. From 1960 to 1966 CVSG-60 operated from the deck of in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. In October 1962 the Sea Griffins flew numerous antisubmarine and surface ship surveillance missions in support of the quarantine of Cuba
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
. At its peak in 1964, HS-9 had a complement of 50 officers and 260 enlisted men. In 1963 HS-9 transitioned to the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King
H-3 Sea King
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King is a twin-engined anti-submarine warfare helicopter. It served with the United States Navy and other forces, and continues to serve in many countries around the world. The Sea King has been built under license in Italy and Japan, and in the United Kingdom as the...
.
By the time the squadron celebrated its tenth birthday in 1966, it had acquired over 55,000 flight hours and more than 15,000 ship-board landings. In 1966 CVSG-60 made a single deployment aboard the Randolph
USS Randolph (CV-15)
USS Randolph was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. The second US Navy ship to bear the name, she was named for Peyton Randolph, president of the First Continental Congress. Randolph was commissioned in October 1944, and served in several campaigns in the Pacific...
. From May to September 1967 a four aircraft detachment (HS-9 Detachment 66) embarked on in support of initial feasibility studies of the "CV Concept." While aboard, the Sea Griffins aided in the evacuation of casualties from , which was attacked in the Mediterranean
USS Liberty incident
The USS Liberty incident was an attack on a United States Navy technical research ship, , by Israeli Air Force jet fighter aircraft and Israeli Navy torpedo boats, on June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War. The combined air and sea attack killed 34 crew members , wounded 170 crew members, and...
during the October 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict
Six-Day War
The Six-Day War , also known as the June War, 1967 Arab-Israeli War, or Third Arab-Israeli War, was fought between June 5 and 10, 1967, by Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt , Jordan, and Syria...
. From February to June 1968 CVSG-60 made a last deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, again on the Essex. After this tour the Essex was retired, and VS-34, VS-39 and HS-9 were disestablished, the Sea Griffins on 1 October 1968.
Second Tour of Duty
On June 4, 1976, a new group of Sea Griffins was re-established at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, under the command of Commander Robert L. Dalton, U.S. Navy, with a force of eight Sikorsky SH-3H "Sea King" helicopters. After intensive training ashore and aboard , the squadron joined Carrier Air Wing EIGHT CVW-8 and in August 1977 deployed to the Mediterranean aboard . During workups for the next cruise, the filming of the movie Final Countdown aboard USS Nimitz gained HS-9 its debut on the silver screen.The modern-day Sea Griffins' second Mediterranean deployment was interrupted in January 1980 when the Nimitz/CVW-8 team was dispatched to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iranian crisis. While on "Gonzo Station:' HS-9 continued to fly its diverse missions in support of the battle group as Nimitz set a new record for consecutive days at sea. The 1981-82 Mediterranean cruise saw the Sea Griffins expand their already long tradition of ASW readiness. The squadron pioneered the "Flex-Deck" concept, introduced its close-in ASW defense techniques to the nuclear cruisers and , shattered the submarine contact time record for current frontline HS Squadrons and became the first HS squadron ever to win the coveted Sixth Fleet "Hook-em" award for ASW excellence. This tradition of ASW readiness continued during the 1982-83 Mediterranean cruise. HS-9 was awarded its second "Hook-em" award and the prestigious Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for overall excellence and superior performance in anti-submarine warfare. HS-9 participated in numerous training evolutions during USS Nimitz's extensive overhaul and workups for the 1985 Mediterranean cruise. During that time, the Sea Griffins were awarded four consecutive Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing One maintenance trophies and the Carrier Air Wing EIGHT "Top Wrench" award for superb professionalism and maintenance excellence.
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
and other non-allied submarines, resulting in the Sea Griffins winning their third "Hook-em" award. 1986 saw HS-9 again preparing for deployment, embarking aboard Nimitz for training and workup phases, the first under the new "Super Cag" concept. Continuing their success, the Sea Griffins were again awarded the Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence for the year 1985 and the Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing ONE maintenance awards for July through December 1985 and January through June 1986. During the advanced phase of workups the Nimitz, with HS-9 aboard, participated in the NATO exercise "Northern Wedding" from August through October 1986. HS-9 was awarded the Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, "Top Wrench" award for superior maintenance for the workup phases. During the 1986-87 Mediterranean cruise, HS-9 participated in several major exercises, the highlight of which was "Dragon Hammer," a NATO exercise that included over 60 ships and 200 aircraft.
The 1986-87 Mediterranean cruise marked HS-9s fourth and final deployment aboard USS Nimitz. The Sea Griffins escorted the Nimitz around Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
and made a brief appearance in the Pacific Ocean before departing the ship in San Diego and returning to Jacksonville.
First Modern Combat
A fresh era began in 1988 as HS-9 and formed the "new" team. A series of arduous workup deployments culminated in the most successful Mediterranean cruise ever for an HS squadron. All previous records for submarine contact time and ASW proficiency fell during this maiden voyage. The 1990-91 Mediterranean Cruise began by steaming to the Persian GulfPersian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
aboard the Roosevelt to participate in Operation "Desert Storm"
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. Transiting through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
, the Griffs set aside their traditional role of ASW to hone their skills in "Strike Rescue". They expanded the capabilities of the SH-3H on the transit to the Persian Gulf by installing the DALS (Downed Aviator Locator System) and Global Positioning System
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
into the SH-3H aircraft. To increase the capabilities of the aircrew, HS-9 operated ten sets of Night Vision Goggles. By the time the Theodore Roosevelt arrived on station in the Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Storm had already begun.
Naval mine
A naval mine is a self-contained explosive device placed in water to destroy surface ships or submarines. Unlike depth charges, mines are deposited and left to wait until they are triggered by the approach of, or contact with, an enemy vessel...
. Working with Special Forces units
United States Special Operations Forces
United States Special Operations Forces under United States Special Operations Command are active and reserve component forces of U.S. Military...
, the Sea Griffins captured 35 Iraqi enemy prisoners of war (EPW's). During the 1990-91 Mediterranean Cruise the Sea Griffins were awarded two consecutive "THEODORE ROOSEVELT" awards and the coveted "GOLDEN WRENCH" award. The Griffs amassed a total of 917 sorties and 2841 hours; the most impressive month by far being February, with a total of 235 sorties and 747 combat flight hours. The HS-9 Sea Griffins and Theodore Roosevelt rounded up the cruise by participating in Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort and Provide Comfort II were military operations by the United States and some of its Gulf War allies, starting in April 1991, to defend Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War and deliver humanitarian aid to them.-Operation...
assisting the Kurdish
Kurdish people
The Kurdish people, or Kurds , are an Iranian people native to the Middle East, mostly inhabiting a region known as Kurdistan, which includes adjacent parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey...
refugees.
In October 1991, HS-9 left CVW-8 and joined CVW-17 aboard . Despite a severely compressed turnaround cycle, the Sea Griffins managed to complete a rigorous training schedule, including Operation "Fabric Falcon Brave," in preparation for MED 2-92 deployment. HS-9 was awarded the prestigious Battle "E"
Battle Efficiency Award
The Battle Effectiveness Award , commonly known as the Battle "E", is awarded annually to the small number of U.S...
and Safety "S" awards for 1991 in recognition of their hard work and dedication. In May 1992, HS-9 left on deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. Several important milestones were reached during the cruise, including surpassing 50,000 hours of mishap-free flying over an 11-year period. The squadron flew an unprecedented 3,353 hours during 987 sorties over the six month deployment while receiving two "Golden Wrench" Awards and the Saratoga "Professional Excellence" Award. The Sea Griffins also completed over 1,000 small deck landings in the course of delivering over 65,000 pounds of cargo and transferring over 1,000 passengers to various ships of the battle group. The Sea Griffins continued to expand the role of the HS community by remaining on the cutting edge in such mission areas as Combat Search and rescue (CSAR)
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
, Maritime Interdiction
Maritime Interdiction Operations
Maritime Interdiction Operations are naval conducted operations, that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies en route to the battle area before they do any harm against friendly forces, similar to Air Interdiction Operations....
, Surface Surveillance Coordination (SSC), and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training. The use of innovative tactics and increased integration with Marine
United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance
The Force Reconnaissance Companies , are one of the United States Marine Corps's special operations "capable" forces that provide essential elements of military intelligence to the command element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force ; supporting the landing or joint task force commanders, and...
and Special Warfare
United States Naval Special Warfare Command
The United States Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned on April 16, 1987, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California...
elements provided the Battle Group Commander with unparalleled flexibility to deal with any contingencies. The Sea Griffins participated in numerous training exercises with NATO allies during this deployment, the highlight of which was "Display Determination."
After having flown around the clock for the previous 60 hours in support of this operation, HS-9 flexed to provide five aircraft for the rescue effort to assist the stricken Turkish destroyer, TCG Muavenet (DM 357). The squadron transported a trauma team, firefighting personnel, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team as well as over 4,000 pounds of equipment during hazardous night hoisting evolutions.
Final deployment
HS-9 returned in November 1992 from its final deployment prior to disestablishment in April 1993. The squadron’s rich tradition of excellence in all mission areas was founded over years of dedicated service. Since its inception in 1956, the Sea Griffins have flown from the decks of numerous destroyers, cruisers, and naval auxiliary ships, as well as 11 aircraft carriers, including HMS Ark RoyalHMS Ark Royal (R07)
HMS Ark Royal is a decommissioned light aircraft carrier and former flagship of the Royal Navy. She was the third and final vessel of Invincible-class...
and HMCS Bonaventure
HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22)
HMCS Bonaventure was a Majestic class aircraft carrier. She served in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces Maritime Command from 1957 to 1970 and was the third and the last aircraft carrier to serve Canada. The ship was laid down for the British Royal Navy as in November 1943. At the end...
. HS-9 has shown the flag in more than 20 countries, providing ASW protection from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
and probing the depths of the sea from north of the Arctic Circle
Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. For Epoch 2011, it is the parallel of latitude that runs north of the Equator....
to south of Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
.