HC-1

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1)
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

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.^[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.

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[]

• History of the United States Navy
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

References[]

External links[]

• Media related to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (United States Navy) at Wikimedia Commons