List of inactive United States Navy helicopter squadrons

There are hundreds of US Navy aircraft squadrons which are not currently active dating back to before World War II (the U.S. Navy operated aircraft prior to World War I, but it did not organize them in squadrons until after that war). To be more accurate: there are hundreds of former U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons which have been disestablished and no longer exist[1] and there are approximately 40 or so U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons which have been deactivated[2] and which currently exist only "on paper" in an inactive status. These disestablished and/or deactivated squadrons are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "decommissioned" squadrons, but proper usage prior to 1998, was that squadrons were "established" and "disestablished" and after 1998, squadrons are "established", "deactivated" and sometimes "reactivated". It has never been correct to refer to U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons as being "commissioned" and "decommissioned", ships are commissioned and decommissioned, U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons are not.[3]

Disestablished or deactivated helicopter squadrons

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Utility (HU) squadrons and Combat Support (HC) squadrons and HC designations no longer in use

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The HU designation was the first designation created for Navy helicopter squadrons. It was created in 1948 with the establishment of the Navy's first two operational helicopter squadrons: "Utility" squadrons One and Two (HU-1 and HU-2). In July 1965 the "Combat Support" designation (HC) was created when the three existing "Utility" squadrons (HU-1, HU-2 and HU-4) were redesignated "Combat Support" squadrons.[4] The HC designation was used to designate squadrons whose primary function was either logistics or the provision of utility services with two notable exceptions; HC-7 and HC-9 were Combat Search and Rescue squadrons. In April 2005 all existing HC squadrons but one were redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and the single remaining HC squadron (the second squadron to be designated HC-4) was deactivated on 28 September 2007. Since 28 September 2007 the HC designation exists only as the designation for that single inactive squadron.

HU/HC squadrons were numbered sequentially beginning with HU-1/HC-1 with odd numbers given to Pacific Fleet squadrons and even numbers to Atlantic Fleet squadrons. The jump from HC-11 to HC-16 occurred because HC-16 was originally established by the Naval Air Training Command as HCT-16 to provide Plane Guard services aboard the Naval Air Training Command's training Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16). It was redesignated HC-16 when it was administratively transferred from the Naval Air Training Command to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet in 1977. HC-85 was a redesignation of the Navy Reserve's HS-85 and it kept its designation number through the redesignation.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, some are former designations of HSC squadrons which are still active, and one is a designation of a currently inactive squadron.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[6] Disestablished/ Deactivated as (or current designation) Disestablished/ Deactivated Date Notes
HU-1   Pacific Fleet Angels HO3S
HTL
HUL
HUK
HUP
HO4S/CH-19
HSS/SH-34
HUS/CH-34
UH-2A,B
UH-46A
RH-3A
HU-1: 1 Apr 1948 – 4 Jul 1965
HC-1: 4 Jul 1965 – 29 Apr 1994
HC-1
Disestablished
29 April 1994
HU-2   Atlantic Fleet Angels HO3S
HTL
HRP
HO4S
HTK
HUL
HUP/UH-25C
HSS/SH-34
UH-2A
HU-2: 1 Apr 1948 – 4 Jul 1965
HC-2(1st): 4 Jul 1965 – 30 Sep 1977
HC-2(1st)
Disestablished
30 September 1977
HU-4   Invaders HTL/TH-13
HUL/UH-13
HRS/CH-19
HSS/SH-34
HUS/UH-34
HU-4: 1 July 1960 – 4 July 1965
HC-4: 4 July 1965-Mar 1972
HSL-30: Mar 1972-30 Sep 1993
(same sqdn listed in HSL section)
HSL-30
Disestablished
30 September 1993 "Split out" of HU-2 on 1 Jul 1960
HC-1   Fleet Angels HH-3A
RH-3A
UH-1B
UH-46A,D
UH-2A,B,C
HH-2C
SH-3A,G,D,H
CH-53E
HU-1: 1 Apr 1948-4 Jul 1965
HC-1: 4 Jul 1965 – 29 Apr 1994
HC-1
Disestablished
29 April 1994 HC-1 "split out" HAL-3 on 1 Apr 1967 and HC-3, HC-5(1st) and HC-7 on 1 Sep 1967. H-3 FRS 1989-1993
HC-2
(first use)
  Fleet Angels SH-34J
UH-2A,C
HH-2D
SH-3G
HU-2: 1 Apr 1948-4 Jul 1965
HC-2(1st): 4 Jul 1965 – 30 Sep 1977
HC-2(1st)
Disestablished
30 September 1977
HC-2
(second use)
 
(1987)
 
(1994)
Circuit Riders (1987),
Fleet Angels (1994)
CH-53E
MH-53E
VH-3A
SH-3G
UH-3H
HC-2(2nd): 1 Apr 1987 – 1 Jan 2006
HSC-2: 1 Jan 2006–present
HSC-2 Not applicable, still active Adopted the name "Fleet Angels" in 1994 when HC-1 was disestablished. Both HU-1 and HU-2 were nicknamed "Fleet Angels" and both carried the name through their redesignations to HC-1 and HC-2(1st). Adopted the insignia of HC-2(1st) in 1994 at the same time the nickname was adopted. H-3 FRS 1997-2006
HC-3
  Packrats H-46
MH-60S
HC-3: 1 Sep 1967 – 1 Apr 2005
HSC-3: 1 Apr 2005–present
HSC-3 Not applicable, still active "Split out" of HC-1 on 1 Sep 1967. H-46 FRS 1982–2002, MH-60S FRS from 2002
HC-4
(first use)
  Invaders TH-13
UH-13
CH-19
SH-34
UH-34
UH-46A
UH-2B
HH-2D
SH-2D
HU-4: 1 July 1960 – 4 July 1965
HC-4(1st): 4 July 1965-Mar 1972
HSL-30: Mar 1972-30 Sep 1993
(same sqdn listed in HSL section)
HSL-30
Disestablished
30 September 1993
HC-4
(second use)
  Black Stallions CH-53E
MH-53E
HC-4(2nd): 6 May 1983 – present
(inactive 30 Sep 2007–present)
HC-4 (2nd)
Deactivated
30 September 2007 Provided Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD) services to Carrier Battle Groups operating in the Mediterranean Sea
HC-5
(first use)
  Arch Angeles CH-19E
UH-2
SH-3A
RH-3A
SH-34J
HH-2D
SH-2D
HC-5(1st): 1 Sep 1967-Mar 1972
HSL-31: Mar 1972-31 July 1992
(same sqdn listed in HSL section)
HSL-31
Disestablished
31 July 1992 "Split out" of HC-1 on 1 Sep 1967
HC-5
(second use)
  Providers H-46
MH-60S
HC-5(2nd): 3 Feb 1984 – 21 Apr 2005
HSC-25: 21 Apr 2005–present
HSC-25 Not applicable, still active
HC-6   Chargers UH-43C
UH-34D
UH-2B
RH-3A
VH-3A
RH-53A
H-46
MH-60S
HC-6: 1 Sep 1967-Apr 2005
HSC-26: Apr 2005–present
HSC-26 Not applicable, still active "Split out" of HC-4 on 1 Sep 1967
HC-7   Seadevils UH-2
SH-3A
RH-3A
UH-34D
UH-46A
HH-2C
HH-3A
HC-7: 1 Sep 1967 – 30 Jun 1975 HC-7
Disestablished
30 June 1975 "Split out" of HC-1 on 1 Sep 1967. Western Pacific (Japan based) utility squadron and Vietnam War Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) squadron
HC-8   Dragon Whales H-46
MH-60S
HC-8: 3 Dec 1984-Apr 2005
HSC-28: Apr 2005–present
HSC-28 Not applicable, still active
HC-9   Black Cats,
Protectors
HH-3A HC-9: 1 Aug 1975 – 31 Jul 1990 HC-9
Disestablished
31 July 1990 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
Combat Search and Rescue Squadron established upon disestablishment of active component CSAR squadron HC-7
HC-11   Gunbearers UH-3H
H-46
MH-60S
HC-11: 1 Oct 1977-Apr 2005
HSC-21: Apr 2005–present
HSC-21 Not applicable, still active
HCT-16   Bullfrogs UH-2C
HH-46A
HCT-16: 1 Nov 1974-May 1977
HC-16: May 1977-1 Apr 1994
HC-16
Disestablished
1 April 1994 "Training Support" squadron, provided SAR and Plane Guard services for Naval Air Training Command operations in the Pensacola area
HC-16   Bullfrogs HH-46D
UH-1N
SH-3D
HCT-16: 1 Nov 1974-May 1977
HC-16: May 1977-1 Apr 1994
HC-16
Disestablished
1 April 1994 Plane Guard squadron for Naval Air Training Command training aircraft carrier, H-46 FRS 1977–1982, HH-1N FRS 1979-1994
HC-85   Golden Gators UH-3H
MH-60S
HS-85: 1 Jul 1970-Oct 1994
(same sqdn listed in HS section)
HC-85: Oct 1994-Feb 2006
HSC-85: Feb 2006–present
HSC-85 Not applicable, still active United States Navy Reserve Squadron

Anti-submarine (HS) squadrons and HS designations no longer in use

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The HS designation was created in 1951 to designate Anti-Submarine squadrons[4] and was in use until the last active HS squadron was redesignated to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadron on 1 June 2016. The designation has not been in active use since.

HS designations were numbered sequentially beginning with HS-1 without regard to carrier air group (later carrier air wing) assignment, though; odd numbered designations were given to Atlantic Fleet squadrons and even numbered designations to Pacific Fleet squadrons (the opposite of the HC designation scheme). USNR HS designations were numbered in accordance with the Reserve Carrier Air Antisubmarine Groups (CVSGR) for which they were established for assignment: HS-74 and HS-75 to CVSGR-70, and HS-84 and HS-85 to CVSGR-80.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some are former designations of HSC squadrons which are still active. There are currently two inactive HS squadrons, HS-75 which was deactivated in 2007 and HS-10 which was deactivated in 2012.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[6] Disestablished/ Deactivated as
(or current designation)
Disestablished/ Deactivated Date Notes
HS-1   Seahorses HUP
HTL
TBM
HRS
HO4S
HSS-1
SNB
HSS-1N/SH-34J
HSS-2/SH-3A
SH-3D,G,H
VH-3A
HH-3A
SH-60F
HS-1: 3 Oct 1951 – 30 Jun 1997 HS-1
Disestablished
30 June 1997 East coast FRS
HS-2   Golden Falcons HO4S
HSS-1,1N
HSS-2/SH-3A
SH-3D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-2: 7 Mar 1952 – 6 Aug 2009
HSC-12: 6 Aug 2009–present
HSC-12 Not applicable, still active
HS-3   Tridents HUP
HO4S
HSS-1,1N
HSS-2/SH-3A
SH-3D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-3: 18 Jun 1952 – 1 Jun 2009
HSC-9: 1 Jun 2009–present
HSC-9 Not applicable, still active
HS-4   Black Knights HO4S
HSS-1
HSS-1N/SH-34J
SH-3A,D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-4: 30 Jun 1952 – 29 Mar 2012
HSC-4: 29 Mar 2012–present
HSC-4 Not applicable, still active
HS-5   Night Dippers HSS-1N/SH-34J
SH-3A,D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-5: 3 Jan 1956 – 24 Jan 2014
HSC-5: 24 Jan 2014–present
HSC-5 Not applicable, still active
HS-6   Indians HO4S
HSS-1N
HSS-2/SH-3A
SH-3D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-6: 1 Jun 1956 – 8 Jul 2011
HSC-6: 8 Jul 2011–present
HSC-6 Not applicable, still active
HS-7
(first use)
  Big Dippers HSS-1
HSS-1N/SH-34J
HS-7(1st): 2 Apr 1956 – 31 May 1966 HS-7 (1st)
Disestablished
31 May 1966
HS-7
(second use)
 
(1969)
 
(1995)
Big Dippers (1969)
Shamrocks (1973)
Dusty Dogs (1995)
SH-3D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-7(2nd): 15 Dec 1969 – 15 Apr 2011
HSC-7: 15 Apr 2011–present
HSC-7 Not applicable, still active Adopted name and insignia from disestablished HS-7(1st)
HS-8
(first use)
  Eightballers HSS-1N/SH-34J
SH-3A
HS-8 (1st): 1 Jun 1956 – 31 Dec 1968 HS-8 (1st)
Disestablished
31 December 1968
HS-8
(second use)
  Eightballers SH-3D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-8 (2nd): 1 Nov 1969 – 28 Sep 2007
HSC-8: 28 Sep 2007–present
HSC-8 Not applicable, still active Adopted name and insignia from disestablished HS-8(1st)
HS-9
(first use)
  Sea Griffins HSS-1N/SH-34J
SH-3A
HS-9(1st): 1 June 1956 – 1 Oct 1968 HS-9 (1st)
Disestabished
1 October 1968
HS-9
(second use)
  Sea Griffins SH-3H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-9(2nd): 4 Jun 1976 – 30 Apr 1993 HS-9 (2nd)
Disestablished
30 April 1993 Adopted name and insignia from disestablished HS-9(1st)
HS-10   Task Masters,
War Hawks
(1990s)
HSS-1N
HSS-2/SH-3A
SH-3D,G,H
SH-60F
HS-10: 1 July 1960 – present
(inactive 12 Jul 2012–present)
HS-10
Deactivated
12 July 2012 West coast FRS
HS-11   Dragon Slayers HSS-1,1N
SH-3,D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-11: 27 Jun 1957 – 1 Jun 2016
HSC-11: 1 Jun 2016–present
HSC-11 Not applicable, still active
HS-12   Wyverns SH-3H HS-12: 15 Jul 1977 – 30 Nov 1994 HS-12
Disestablished
30 November 1994
HS-13   Sub Choppers HSS-1
HSS-1N/SH-34J
HS-13: 25 Sep 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 HS-13
Disestablished
1 October 1962
HS-14   Chargers SH-3H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-14: 10 Jul 1984-Jul 2013
HSC-14: Jul 2013–present
HSC-14 Not applicable, still active
HS-15   Red Lions SH-3G,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-15: 29 October 1971-Nov 2102
HSC-15: Nov 2012–present
(inactive 31 Mar 2017–present)
(same sqdn listed in HSC section)
HSC-15
Deactivated
31 March 2017
HS-16   Nighthawks SH-3H HS-16: 10 March 1987 – 1 Jun 1988 HS-16
Disestablished
1 June 1988
HS-17   Neptune's Raiders SH-3H HS-17: 4 April 1984 – 30 Jun 1991 HS-17
Disestablished
30 June 1991
HS-74   Minutemen SH-3A,D HS-74: 1 June 1970-Jan 1985
HSL-74: Jan 1985-1 Apr 1994
(same sqdn listed in HSL section)
HSL-74
Disestablished
1 April 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HS-75   Emerald Knights SH-3A,D,H
SH-60F
HH-60H
HS-75: 1 June 1970 – present
(inactive 1 Apr 2007–present)
HS-75
Deactivated
1 April 2007 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HS-84   Thunderbolts SH-3A,D HS-84: 1 July 1970-Apr 1984
HSL-84: Apr 1984–present)
(inactive 30 Jun 2001–present)
(same sqdn listed in HSL section)
HSL-84
Deactivated
30 Jun 2001 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HS-85   Golden Gators SH-3A,D,H HS-85: 1 Jul 1970-Oct 1994
HC-85: Oct 1994-Feb 2006
(same sqdn listed in HC section)
HSC-85: Feb 2006–present
HSC-85 Not applicable, still active United States Navy Reserve Squadron

Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons

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The "Sea Combat" (HSC) designation was instituted April 2005 when the "Combat Support" (HC) squadrons conducting at sea logistics had completed their transitions from the Boeing-Vertol H-46 Sea Knight to the multi-mission Sikorksy MH-60S Seahawk. Beginning in 2007 the "Helicopter Anti-submarine" (HS) squadrons began transitioning to the MH-60S as well relinquishing the anti-submarine role aboard the aircraft carrier to the new "Maritime Strike" (HSM) squadrons. The HSC designation identifies squadrons with the primary functions of Naval Special Warfare support, Anti-surface Warfare, Combat Search and Rescue, and Vertical Replenishment.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment and Redesignation Dates Deactivated as Deactivated Date Notes
HSC-15   Red Lions MH-60S HS-15: 29 October 1971-Nov 2102
(same sqdn listed in HS section)
HSC-15: Nov 2012-present
(inactive 31 Mar 2017-present)
HSC-15
Deactivated
31 March 2017
HSC-84   Redwolves HH-60H HAL-4: 1 Jul 1976-Oct 1989
(same squadron listed in HAL/HCS section)
HCS-4: Oct 1989-Oct 2006
(same squadron listed in HAL/HCS section)
HSC-84: Oct 2006–present
(inactive 31 Mar 2016–present)
HSC-84
Deactivated
31 March 2016 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
Operated in a Naval Special Warfare Support role

HSL: Anti-submarine (Light) squadrons

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The "Anti-submarine Squadron (Light)" (HSL) designation was established in 1972 to designate anti-submarine squadrons which operated the "light" Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter (as compared to the HS squadrons' much larger Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters) in detachments aboard surface force ships as a part of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS Mk I) program to provide surface ships with a helicopter to extend the ship's sensor and weapons ranges.

HSL designations began at HSL-30 and squadrons were numbered sequentially; even numbers assigned to Atlantic Fleet squadrons and odd numbers to Pacific Fleet squadrons (the opposite of the HS numbering system). The new HSL squadrons established to operate LAMPS Mk III system (Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk) were designated from HSL-40 and continued the even Atlantic and odd Pacific scheme. HSL-74 and HSL-84 were redesignations of the Navy Reserve's HS-74 and HS-84 and they kept their designation numbers through the redesignation. When HSL-94 was established it was designated to fit the pattern HSL-74, 84, 94.

The designation was discontinued in active use in July 2015 when the last HSL squadron was redesignated a Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadron. The designation currently exists only in two HSL squadrons which were deactivated in 2001.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment and Redesignation[6] Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
HSL-30   Neptune's Horsemen SH-2F
HH-2D
HU-4: 1 July 1960
HC-4(1st): 4 July 1965
HSL-30: Mar 1972
Disestablished 30 September 1993 East coast FRS
HSL-31 Arch Angels SH-2F
HH-2D
HC-5(1st): 1 Sep 1967
HSL-31: Mar 1972
Disestablished 31 July 1992 West coast FRS
HSL-32   Invaders SH-2F HSL-32: 17 Aug 1973 Disestablished 31 January 1994
HSL-33   Seasnakes SH-2F 31 July 1973 Disestablished 29 April 1994
HSL-34   Greencheckers SH-2F 27 Sep 1974 Disestablished 30 November 1993
HSL-35   Magicians[a] SH-2F HSL-35: 15 Jan 1974 Disestablished 4 December 1992
HSL-36   Lamplighters SH-2F HSL-36: 26 Sep 1975 Disestablished 30 September 1992
HSL-37   Easy Riders SH-2F
SH-60B
HSL-37: 3 Jul 1975 redesignated HSM-37 Oct 2013
HSL-40   Airwolves SH-60B HSL-40: 4 Oct 1985 redesignated HSM-40 Nov 2009 East coast FRS
HSL-41   Seahawks SH-60B HSL-41: 21 Jan 1983 redesignated HSM-41 : Dec 2006 West coast FRS
HSL-42   Proud Warriors SH-60B HSL-42: 5 Oct 1984 redesignated HSM-72 15 Jan 2013
HSL-43   Battle Cats SH-60B HSL-43: 5 Oct 1984 redesignated HSM-73 Feb 2012
HSL-44   Swamp Foxes SH-60B HSL-44: 21 Aug 1986 redesignated HSM-74 9 Jun 2011
HSL-45   Wolfpack SH-60B HSL-45: 3 Oct 1986
HSM-75
redesignated HSM-75 : Feb 2011
HSL-46   Grandmasters SH-60B HSL-46: 7 Apr 1988 redesignated HSM-46 Mar 2012
HSL-47   Saberhawks SH-60B HSL-47: 25 Sep 1987 redesignated HSM-77 2 Apr 2009
HSL-48   Vipers SH-60B HSL-48: 7 Sep 1989 redesignated HSM-48 May 2014
HSL-49   Scorpions SH-60B HSL-49: 23 Mar 1990 redesignated HSM-49 1 Apr 2015
HSL-51   Warlords SH-60B HSL-51: 1 Oct 1991 redesignated HSM-51 7 Mar 2013 squadron also operated the Sikorsky UH-3H in a VIP transport detachment 1991 - 2006 in support of Commander, Seventh Fleet
HSL-60   Jaguars SH-60B HSL-60: 1 Apr 2001 redesignated HSM-60 Jul 2015 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-74   Demon Elves SH-2F HS-74: 1 June 1970
HSL-74: Jan 1985
Disestablished 1 April 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-84   Thunderbolts SH-2F
SH-2G
HS-84: 1 July 1970
HSL-84: Apr 1984
Deactivated 30 Jun 2001 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-94   Titans SH-2F
SH-2G
HSL-94: 1 Oct 1985 Deactivated 1 April 2001 United States Navy Reserve Squadron

Light Attack (HAL) and Combat Support (Special) (HCS) squadrons

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The "Light Attack" (HAL) designation was created in 1967 when HC-1's attack helicopter detachment was established as a separate squadron. In 1988 the functions of the two Navy Reserve Light Attack squadrons were merged with the function of the single Navy Reserve Combat Search and Rescue Squadron (HC-9) the two light attack squadrons were redesignated to "Combat Support (Special)" (HCS). The HCS designation remained in active use until 2006 when one of the squadrons was redesignated to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadron and the other was deactivated.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment and Redesignation[6] Disestablished/ Deactivated as
(or current designation)
Disestablished/ Deactivated Date Notes
HAL-3   Seawolves UH-1B
UH-1C
UH-1L
UH-1M
HH-1K
HAL-3: 1 April 1967 – 26 Jan 1972 HAL-3
Disestablished
25 January 1972 "Split out" of HC-1 on 1 Apr 1967. Light Attack Squadron, operated during Vietnam War
HAL-4   Redwolves HH-1K HAL-4: 1 Jul 1976-Oct 1989
HCS-4: Oct 1989-Oct 2006
HSC-84: Oct 2006–present
(same squadron listed in HSC section)
(inactive 31 Mar 2016–present)
HSC-84
Deactivated
31 March 2016 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HAL-5   Blue Hawks HH-1K HAL-5: 1 Mar 1977-Oct 1989
HCS-5: Oct 1989–present
(inactive 31 Dec 2006–present)
HCS-5
Deactivated
31 December 2006 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HCS-4   Redwolves HH-60H HAL-4: 1 Jul 1976-Oct 1989
HCS-4: Oct 1989-Oct 2006
HSC-84: Oct 2006–present
(same squadron listed in HSC section)
(inactive 31 Mar 2016–present)
HSC-84
Deactivated
31 March 2016 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HCS-5   Firehawks HH-60H HAL-5: 1 Mar 1977-Oct 1989
HCS-5: Oct 1989–present
(inactive 31 Dec 2006–present)
HCS-5
Deactivated
31 December 2006 United States Navy Reserve Squadron.
(The currently active Navy Reserve squadron HSC-85 adopted the Firehawks insignia and nickname in 2011)

Mine Countermeasure (HM) squadrons

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The HM designation was established in 1971 to designate "Mine Countermeasures" squadrons. It remains in use to the present day. Squadrons were equipped with various variants of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment Disestablished Notes
HM-12
(first use)
  Sea Dragons RH-53A
RH-53D
CH-53E
MH-53E
1 Apr 1971 30 September 1994 "Split out" of HC-6 on 1 Apr 1971. FRS
HM-14 Vanguard RH-53D
MH-53E
12 May 1978 30 April 2023
HM-16   Seahawks RH-53D 27 Oct 1978 2 January 1987 "Split out" of HM-12(1st) on 27 Oct 1978
HM-18   Norsemen RH-53D
MH-53E
1 Oct 1986 4 March 1995 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Personnel and aircraft were integrated into HM-14 upon disestablishment
HM-19   Golden Bears RH-53D
MH-53E
9 Jan 1989 5 November 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Personnel and aircraft were integrated into HM-15 upon disestablishment

Other helicopter squadrons

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Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[5] Establishment Disestablished Notes
VX-3
(first use)
Sikorsky HNS-1
Sikorsky HOS-1
HO3S-1
Bell HTL-1
Piasecki HRP-1[7]
1 July 1946 1 April 1948 "Helicopter Development Squadron"
Aircraft and personnel used to establish the first two U. S. Navy operational helicopter squadrons (HU-1 and HU-2)[8]
HUQ-1 MQ-8 20 September 2012 March 2014 "Unmanned Helicopter Reconnaissance Squadron"
Established to function as a FRS to train the operators of Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) systems who would then report to HSC and HSM squadrons or other units operating them.[9][10] Was transitioned into a MQ-8 maintenance organization in March 2014[11]

See also

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References and notes

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Notes

  1. ^ an unrelated squadron HSM-35, established on 2 May 2013 adopted the "Magicians" name and insignia

References

  1. ^ "Enclosure (2): Current Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage List". www.history.navy.mil. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Enclosure (1): Rules for Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage Program and Approval Procedures". www.history.navy.mil. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Chapter 2 Guidelines for Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage and Insignia". www.history.navy.mil. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  4. ^ a b Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, App 4
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Squadrons of the US Navy". www.wings-aviation.ch.
  6. ^ a b c d "Helicopter Squadron Lineage". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016.
  7. ^ Naval Aviation News Sept 1947 pg 1
  8. ^ Thomason, Tommy H. (23 July 2010), "VX Squadrons", U.S. Navy Aircraft History
  9. ^ OPNAV Notice 5400. 14 August 2012
  10. ^ Stewart, Joshua. "New squadron to deploy, train unmanned helicopter pilots." Navy Times. 30 August 2012.
  11. ^ "HUQ-1 - United States Naval Aviation". Helis.com.

Bibliography

Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons:
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