Command Shift: HM-15 Celebrates New Leadership in Ceremonial Change of Command

The ceremony marked a significant change in leadership for the Navy’s largest operational helicopter squadron. Cmdr. Andrew Countiss of Severna Park, Maryland, passed the baton to Cmdr. Jared Schmitt of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, concluding his term from January 2022 to August 2024.

During his tenure, Countiss received the 2023 Naval Helicopter Association Rear Adm. Tomaszeski Commanding Officer leadership award and led HM-15 to win the 2023 Battle Efficiency Award. Countiss also orchestrated the merger of HM-14 and HM-15 squadrons, thus commanding the Navy’s largest operational unit with over 825 active duty and reservists personnel and 18 MH-53E helicopters.

“Leading HM-15 has been a professional honor, marked by growth, transformation, and operational excellence,” said Countiss. “The Blackhawk Sailors’ dedication and spirit were constant sources of inspiration.”

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 2006, Countiss became a naval aviator in May 2008 and completed MH-53E Sea Dragon training at the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS).

Countiss oversaw critical logistics during Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Gulf of Aden, supported White House tasking for a presidential visit, and hosted President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at Naval Station Norfolk in 2023.

“HM-15 is in excellent hands under Cmdr. Schmitt,” Countiss added.

Schmitt, expressing gratitude for Countiss’s leadership, highlighted the rich legacy of the MH-53E community. “Once a Blackhawk, always a Blackhawk,” Schmitt noted, emphasizing the importance of honoring the squadron’s history.

A 2007 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Schmitt became a naval aviator in 2009 and completed MH-53E training at AWSTS. He shares the MH-53E community with his younger brother, Lt. Cmdr. Keith Schmitt, who has served since 2013.

“It’s incredible to share this experience with my brother,” Schmitt remarked. “From childhood games to flying the 53 together, it’s been a remarkable journey.”

The Navy plans a phased transition to retire the MH-53E Sea Dragon, aligning with long-term fleet modernization and operational readiness strategies. This shift will allow the Navy to focus on advanced technologies that meet modern operational demands.

HM-15 maintains a global 72-hour Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) rapid deployment posture and a forward-deployed AMCM and Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) capability in both the Arabian Gulf and Seventh Fleet AOR. With nearly 825 active duty personnel, 125 selected reservists, and 18 MH-53E helicopters, the squadron is a critical component of the Navy’s operational readiness.