HSM-78 conducts hoist exercise with Chilean Navy CNS Thomson in Pacific Ocean

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 15, 2025) An MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, conducts a hoist exercise with Chilean Navy diesel-electric submarine CNS Thomson (SS 20), Sept. 15. Thomson is operating with U.S. Navy units as part of the annual Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Tang)