HSC-85 provides strategic depth to Commander, Naval Air Forces and deploys in response to requests for forces from geographic combatant commanders. HSC-85 is also charged with providing training and readiness support to United States Naval Special Warfare Command and other services' special operations forces.
History
HSC-85 traces its lineage back through a number of previous aviation units, both active and reserve, all the way to the U.S. Navy’s first operational helicopter squadron, the FLEET ANGELS of Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE (HU-1) which was established April 1, 1948.[1] Former missions of anti-submarine warfare and logistics support and current missions of combat search and rescue and special operations support are also traceable back to HSC-85 predecessors.
As hostilities ended in Vietnam, the U.S. Navy recognized a need to form reserve aviation squadrons in order to retain combat experienced aviators and maintenance personnel leaving active service but desiring to remain in the ready reserve as citizen Sailors. In June 1975 Helicopter Wing Reserve (HELWINGRES) was established at NAS North Island and included (among other helicopter squadrons) the HA(L)-4 REDWOLVES and HA(L)-5 BLUEHAWKS performing the special operations support mission and the HC-9 PROTECTORS performing the combat search and rescue mission.
Anti-Submarine Warfare and Logistics Support
An HS-85 SH-3 Sea King conducting anti-submarine warfare training.HSC-85 aircrews flying the MH-60S conduct aerial fire fighting support
On July 1, 1970, the GOLDEN GATERS of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron EIGHT FIVE (HS-85) were established. Operating out of NAS Alameda, HS-85 flew the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King, and later the SH-3D and SH-3H, providing logistics support to the Pacific Fleet and serving as a repository of anti-submarine experience and talent for aircrews and maintainers of the Navy Reserve. In 1993 HS-85 moved from NAS Alameda to NAS North Island in San Diego, CA.
In October 1994 HS-85 was re-designated as HC-85 and assimilated into HELWINGRES while retaining the GOLDEN GATERS moniker. HC-85 operated the utility UH-3H Sea King and remained a provider of search and rescue and logistics support to the Pacific Fleet, as well as supporting target launch and torpedo recovery on the Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE) complex at NALF San Clemente Island.
In February 2006, the squadron was again re-designated, this time as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT FIVE (HSC-85), and changed its name to HIGH ROLLERS, keeping with the theme of newly formed expeditionary squadrons, the HSC-21 BLACKJACKS (re-designated from the HC-11 GUNBEARERS) and the HSC-23 WILDCARDS. Trading in its UH-3H Sea Kings for utility Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawks, HSC-85 continued its Pacific Fleet and SCORE support until 2011 when the squadron’s mission changed to dedicated special operations support.[2]
Combat Search and Rescue Support
An HC-85 UH-3 Sea King conducts search and rescue training.
On September 1, 1967, the HC-7 SEA DEVILS were established out of two separate HC-1 search and rescue detachments, one homeported at NAAF Ream Field in Imperial Beach, CA and one homeported at NAF Atsugi, Japan. HC-7 flew the Kaman HH-2C Sea Sprite and Sikorsky HH-3A Sea King – dubbed “Big Mothers” – and deployed as detachments supporting combat search and rescue operations throughout the Pacific fleet and Southeast Asia areas of operations. Despite an incredible record of over 150 personnel rescued (including fighter aces LT William Driscoll and LT Randy Cunningham), awards of 5 Navy Crosses, 3 Silver Stars, 8 Distinguished Flying Crosses and the only Medal of Honor awarded to a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War (LT Clyde Lassen), HC-7 and all associated detachments were disestablished on June 30, 1975.
In an attempt to preserve the combat experience of HC-7 aircrews and personnel, the U.S. Navy Reserve established the HC-9 PROTECTORS on August 1, 1975 as part of HELWINGRES. HC-9 continued to fly the HH-3A Sea King, providing combat search and rescue training, as well as operational support when called upon, to carrier strike groups. HC-9 was disestablished in 1988 as HELWINGRES combined combat search and rescue and special operations support into two remaining reserve squadrons, Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons (Special) FOUR and FIVE (HCS-4 and HCS-5).
Special Operations Support
Two HCS-5 HH-60H assigned to JSOAD-AP in OIF.
U.S. Forces in Vietnam initiated Operation GAME WARDEN in 1966, which consisted of Navy SEALs on Patrol Boat, Riverine (PBR) watercraft patrolling the rivers of the Mekong Delta attempting to limit Viet Cong traffic, supported from the air during enemy contact by U.S. Army Bell UH-1 Iroquois gunships. The distance from Army forward operating bases housing the gunships was often too great for timely support. HC-1 was soon assigned the task, operating hand-me-down UH-1 Hueys in two-helicopter detachments aboard Tank Landing Ships (LST) stationed nearer the waterways of the Delta. As HC-1 grew and became too unwieldy to be effective as a single squadron, the detachments of Operation SEALORDS, were consolidated into a single squadron, the SEAWOLVES of HA(L)-3, established April 1, 1967. The all-volunteer squadron of former HC-1 personnel eventually became nine detachments along the Delta with a maintenance facility at Binh Thuy, Vietnam.[3]
An HSC-85 HH-60H fastropes Navy SEALs to an oil and gas platform.
The SEAWOLVES support to Navy SEALs and PBR crews during 78,000 combat mission between April 1967 and March 1972 is legendary, resulting in 24,000 individual decorations, including 5 Navy Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16,000 Air Medals and six Presidential Unit Citations. Forty-four SEAWOLVES were killed-in-action or remain missing. Despite this incredible record, HA(L)-3 was disestablished in March 1972, giving the unit the distinction of the only Naval Aviation squadron to be commissioned and decommissioned outside of the United States.[4]
Again attempting to preserve combat experience in helicopter operations, HELWINGRES established two squadrons to continue the special operations support mission, the REDWOLVES of HA(L)-4 and the BLUEHAWKS of HA(L)-5. HA(L)-5, established March 1, 1977 and based at NAS Point Mugu, and HA(L)-4, established one year later and based at NS Norfolk, both operated the HH-1K Huey, providing special operations training and deployed operational support when called upon to Navy SEAL units and surface strike groups of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.
On October 1, 1988, HA(L)-5 was re-designated HCS-5, became known as the FIREHAWKS and moved to NAS North Island a few years later. HA(L)-4 was re-designated HCS-4 and kept the REDWOLVES name. Both squadrons transitioned to flying the Sikorsky HH-60H, known unofficially as the Rescue Hawk, continuing their mission of special operations support and assuming the combat search and rescue mission as HC-9 was disestablished.
Despite a robust history of support to combat operations, including combat search and rescue strip alert during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, special operations support during UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, and performing both missions during three years of constant support to Joint Special Operations Air Detachment, Arabian Peninsula (JSOAD-AP) during IRAQI FREEDOM,[5] HCS-5 was disestablished December 31, 2006, leaving HCS-4, now re-designated HSC-84, as the sole Navy squadron dedicated to special operations support.
Current Operations
In 2011 the primary mission of HSC-85 was assigned as dedicated special operations support at the request of U.S. Special Operations Command. The squadron still housed remnants of mission experienced personnel from HCS-5 as well as HCS-4, now known as HSC-84. HSC-85 took on the FIREHAWKS name and transitioned from the utility MH-60S to the HH-60H.[6]
In 2016 the U.S. Navy again decided to disestablish HSC-85 and HSC-84, even though both were deployed at the time in support of U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command, respectively.[7] Following Congressional involvement,[8] HSC-85 remained while HSC-84 was shuttered, with the U.S. Navy pledging to retain special operations and combat search and rescue mission experience in newly formed Tactical Support Units on both the east (TSULANT) and west (TSUPAC) coasts.[9]
In 2018 HSC-85 transitioned from the HH-60H to the Block III MH-60S. The squadron currently operates in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and provides training and readiness support to Naval Special Warfare (WARCOM) and other service’s special operations units.
The Squadron is slated for deactivation in Fall of 2023.
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.
HSC-7 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Seven, also known as the Dusty Dogs, is a United States Navy helicopter squadron located at Naval Station Norfolk. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing Three and deploy aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FOUR (HC-4) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. Nicknamed the "Black Stallions", they flew the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion and MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Four (HSC-4), also known as the Black Knights, is a multi-role combat helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station North Island which operates Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk helicopters deployed aboard aircraft carriers. The squadron was originally established as HS-4 on 30 June 1952 at U.S. Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Imperial Beach with the Sikorsky HO3S-1 and was redesignated HSC-4 on March 29, 2012. It is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) which deploys aboard USS Carl Vinson(CVN-70).
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8) "Eightballers" is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. HSC-8 is attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) and deploys aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. HSC-8 was redesignated from HS-8 on 28 September 2007.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84 (HSC-84) "Red Wolves" was a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy Reserve. Along with the "Firehawks" of HSC-85, the “Red Wolves” were one of only two squadrons in the U.S. Navy dedicated to supporting Navy SEAL and SWCC Teams, and Combat Search & Rescue. Prior to their deactivation in March 2016 they operated 14 HH-60H Rescue Hawks organized into four independent, two aircraft detachments that could deploy anywhere in the world within 72 hours of notice.
The 56th Rescue Squadron is part of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The squadron was previously assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England. It operates HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters conducting search and rescue missions.
The 301st Rescue Squadron is an Air Force Reserve Command unit, part of the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. The squadron operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, conducting both peacetime and combat search and rescue missions. As a reserve unit, it is operationally-gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC).
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) "Island Knights" is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The "Island Knights" of HSC-25 fly the MH-60S "Knighthawk" helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC-6), is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy. It was established as Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX (HS-6) on 1 June 1956. Its nickname is Screamin’ Indians. On 8 July 2011 it was redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC-6). It is based at Naval Air Station North Island, is part of Carrier Air Wing 17 and deploys aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz(CVN-68).
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5), also known as the Nightdippers, is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Station Norfolk operating the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. The Nightdippers are a part of Carrier Air Wing Seven and deploy aboard USS Harry S. Truman(CVN-75) to provide anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, Combat Search and Rescue and Naval Special Warfare Support capabilities to the carrier strike group.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11 (HSC-11), also known as the Dragonslayers, is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk as part of Carrier Air Wing 1 operating MH-60S helicopters deployed aboard aircraft carriers. The squadron was established on 27 June 1957 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11 (HS-11) with Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat helicopters. In 2016, HS-11 transitioned to MH-60S and re-designated as HSC-11.
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Five, known by the US Navy designation HA(L)-5, was the initial designation of a Naval Special Warfare and close air support helicopter squadron in the period following the Vietnam War, which, along with its sister squadron HA(L)-4 "Red Wolves", was one of the last two US Navy squadrons using HH-1K "Huey" gunships. In October 1989 the squadron was redesignated Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Special Five (HCS-5), it adopted the name "Firehawks" and it traded in its "Hueys" for HH-60H Seahawk Combat Search and Rescue helicopters. The squadron was deactivated on 13 December 2006.
HA(L)-3,, nicknamed the "Seawolves", was an all-volunteer squadron in the US Navy formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9) "Tridents" is a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia. The squadron is equipped with the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. Currently, HSC-9 is attached to Carrier Air Wing Eight. It was originally established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 3 (HS-3) in 1952 and was redesignated on 1 June 2009.
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven (HC-7) was a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy established on 1 September 1967 and disestablished on 30 June 1975.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 , also known as the "Fleet Angels", is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Station Norfolk operating the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk. The Fleet Angels are a Fleet Replacement Squadron providing trained MH-60S crew to units on the East Coast.
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2), also known as the "Fleet Angels", was a multi-role helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and remained active until disestablished on 30 September 1977.
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