Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) | |
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Active | 1 April 1948 – 29 April 1994 |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Navy |
Type | Navy Helicopter Squadron |
Size | Squadron |
Garrison/HQ | NAS North Island |
Nickname(s) | "Pacific Fleet Angels" |
Engagements | Vietnam War Gulf War |
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) was a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy operating several helicopter types in support of United States Pacific Fleet ships and other units. The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and disestablished on 29 April 1994. It was nicknamed "Pacific Fleet Angels" or just "Angels".
History
Early experience with helicopters by the Navy was developed by Helicopter Development Squadron THREE (VX-3) which operated out of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. This led to the creation of the service's first two designated helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU-1) and HU-2 on 1 April 1948.
As the Navy changed the scope of roles for its utility helicopter squadrons, it also re-designated them Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons. HU-1 was duly re-designated HC-1 on 1 July 1965.
A detachment of HC-1 participated in Operation Desert Storm aboard USS Tarawa and during its return played a key role assisting civilians in aftermath of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.
The squadron was disestablished on 29 April 1994.
Equipment
The squadron has operated several types during its history:
- Sikorsky HO3S
- Sikorsky HO4S
- Piasecki HUP Retriever
- Sikorsky UH-34D/E Seahorse
- Kaman UH-2A/B/C Seasprite
- Boeing-Vertol UH-46 Sea Knight
- Sikorsky SH-3G/UH-3H Sea King
- Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
See also
References
- "History". Archived from the original on 15 September 2013.
- ^ Donald, David; Lake, Jon (1992). "US Navy Units". U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Directory.
External links
- Media related to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (United States Navy) at Wikimedia Commons
Active United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons | |||||
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Electronic Attack (VAQ) | |||||
Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) | |||||
Strike Fighter (VFA) | |||||
Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) | |||||
Fleet Fighter Composite (VFC) | |||||
Fleet Logistics Support (VR) | |||||
Carrier Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) | |||||
Carrier Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) | |||||
Patrol |
| ||||
Unmanned (VUP) | |||||
Training (VT) | |||||
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) | |||||
Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) | |||||
Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) | |||||
Helicopter Training (HT) |