HC-1

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Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1)
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (US Navy) insignia c1974.png
Active1 April 1948 – 29 April 1994
CountryUnited States of America
Branch United States Department of the Navy Seal.svg United States Navy
TypeNavy Helicopter Squadron
Size Squadron
Garrison/HQ NAS North Island
Nickname(s)"Pacific Fleet Angels"
Engagements Vietnam 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".

Contents

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. [1]

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. [2]

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. [2]

The squadron was disestablished on 29 April 1994.[ citation needed ]

Equipment

The squadron has operated several types during its history:

See also

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References

  1. "History". Archived from the original on 15 September 2013.
  2. 1 2 Donald, David; Lake, Jon (1992). "US Navy Units". U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Directory.