Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 (HSC-22) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at NAS Chambers Field (KNGU) in Norfolk, Virginia. The "Sea Knights" were Established on 29 September 2006, and have multiple missions including vertical replenishment, search and rescue, air-sea rescue and anti-surface warfare. The Sea Knights flew the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut and the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B/C Fire Scout.[1] It is the first new helicopter squadron at Naval Station Norfolk in 22 years.[2] HSC-22 is the sister squadron of HSC-23 "Wild Cards" stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22
HSC-22 Insignia
Active29 September 2006 – 30 June 2023
Country United States of America
BranchUnited States Navy Seal United States Navy
TypeSea combat operations
RoleLogistics

Search and rescue
Force Protection
Disaster Response

Special Warfare
Size231 Personnel
Garrison/HQNaval Station Norfolk Chambers Field
Nickname(s)"Sea Knights"
Motto(s)PRAESES, ARMIS, GERO (PROTECT, FIGHT, SUPPORT)
ColorsBlack, silver, and white
Mascot(s)Knight
EngagementsGlobal War On Terror
Operation Unified Response
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Unified Protector
DecorationsBattle Effectiveness Award
Commanders
Current
commander
CDR Aaron G. Berger
Past Commanders
2020-2021 CDR Timothy G. Drosinos
2019-2020 CDR Mattew A. Wright
2018-2019 CDR Matthew N. Persiani
2017-18 CAPT Shawn T. Bailey
2016-17 CDR Michael W. Hoskins
2015-16 CDR Kevin P. Zayac
2014-15 CDR Wayne W. Anderews, III
2012-14 CDR Paul C. de Marcellus
2011-12 CDR Timothy E. Symons
2010-11 CDR Brendan J. Murphy
2009-10 CDR Christopher D. Hayes
2008-09 CDR Daniel F. Olson
2006-08 CDR Michael M. McMillan, Jr.

The squadron conducted its final operational mission on 15 February 2023.[1]

Command emblem

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The Knight's helmet symbolizes the American warrior prepared for battle. The crossed tridents symbolize the sea combat capabilities of our helicopter in the maritime environment. The quartered shield represents a stout defense, strength, protection and invulnerability. The black stands for constancy, steadfastness, and fidelity while the silver and white stand for peace and sincerity. Together the three colors symbolize an undying resolution to protect the key tenets of freedom.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincolnshire, England: Key Publishing Ltd. April 2023. p. 16.
  2. ^ Jones, Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler (3 October 2006). "Navy Establishes New Helicopter Squadron". Navy newsstand. United States Navy. Retrieved 2 July 2007.
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