(Editor's Note: Misty Trent is a journalist at the Public Affairs Center in Norfolk, VA.)

In the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States Navy has six aircraft carrier battle groups, three amphibious ready groups and two seven-ship amphibious task forces deployed to the Middle East. With more than half of the Navy's fleet operating in the Arabian Gulf region in support of the conflict, the logistical requirements for the operation are immense.

Lt. j.g. William P. Harris II, son-in-law of Frank and Lucille D'Elia of Old Westbury, is assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), a naval aviation squadron with the massive responsibility of moving troops, weapons and supplies to ships sailing in harm's way. Harris is a commissioned officer with HC-6, based in Norfolk, VA.

The "Chargers" of HC-6 operate and maintain 10 MH-60 Knighthawk and five CH-46 Sea Hawk helicopters. The 300-person squadron currently has five detachments deployed to ships in the gulf region. They are providing a wide variety of support functions to the amphibious and supply ships, to include search and rescue, special operations transport and cargo lifts for supply replenishments.

Harris's primary role in the squadron is vital to the success of the command's operation. "I have a variety of responsibilities in the squadron. I am the log and records officer, navigation officer and detachment liaison officer," explained Harris, a 1996 graduate of Clinton High School in Clinton, MS. "I have to ensure all flight logs are correct, and that all publications are current and complete. I also maintain a positive flow of information between the squadron detachments, home base and the family members."

One of the Chargers' biggest advantages is the Knighthawk, a new, $18 million aircraft designed and built to carry out the combined missions of 10 different military helicopters. It is also the only aircraft shared by all the branches of the U.S. military.

"We are at a crossroads with the combat support community as we transition to the Knighthawk, and HC-6 is at the forefront of this transition," said Harris, husband to the former Eileen D'Elia of Old Westbury. "It's great knowing that I am flying the newest and most advanced helicopter in the Navy."

As the sailors on board amphibious ships deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom transport tens of thousands of U.S. Marines to combat positions, the supply ships work alongside them in theater to provide everything these sailors and Marines need, from food to fuel. With the Knighthawk, capable of carrying nearly 10,000 pounds and flying at a top speed of 200 mph, the crews of HC-6 can move more efficiently.

"We still move the eggs and the passengers and the bombs from ship to ship," said Capt. Karl Kolesnikoff, director of training and readiness for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's Norfolk-based helicopters. "But now more of our airplanes can put ordnance on target, drop torpedoes and find submarines."

"Our most important contribution to the Navy is combat support. Getting supplies to those deployed ships keeps the Navy sailing," said Harris, 24. "Within naval aviation, the helicopter community is going from a more support-oriented role to a more aggressive role that includes combat search and rescue and anti-mine warfare operations."

Harris joined the Navy in December 2000. "I grew up as a 'Navy brat,' so I was pretty much predisposed toward this life, but it was also a deep-seated pride in my country that led me to serve. In the Navy, I'm getting paid to travel. I chose the aviation community because, well, who wouldn't want to fly a naval aircraft?"

In an address to the nation on March 17, President Bush said, "Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know that every measure has been taken to avoid war, and every measure will be taken to win it." With Marines on the ground and sailors at sea, Harris and the Chargers at HC-6 will play a critical role in keeping things moving in the air.