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

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

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.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 1]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[5]Disestablished/ Deactivated as (or current designation)Disestablished/ Deactivated DateNotes
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

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

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.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 2]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[5]Disestablished/ Deactivated as
(or current designation)
Disestablished/ Deactivated DateNotes
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

Deactivated Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons

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 H-46 to the multi-mission MH-60S. 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.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 3]Establishment and Redesignation DatesDeactivated asDeactivated DateNotes
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

Disestablished and deactivated Anti-submarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons and HSL designations no longer in use

The "Anti-submarine Squadron (Light)" (HSL) designation was established in 1972 to designate anti-submarine squadrons which operated the "light" SH-2 helicopter (as compared to the HS squadrons' much larger SH-3 helicopters) in detachments aboard surface force ships as a part of the "Light Airborne Multipurpose System" (LAMPS Mk I) program to provide surface ships with a helicopter to extend the ship's sensor and weapons ranges. 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 attached to two inactive HSL squadrons which were deactivated in 2001.

HSL designations began with HSL-30 and squadrons were numbered sequentially with even numbers assigned to Atlantic Fleet squadrons and odd numbers to Pacific Fleet squadrons (in line with the HC designation scheme but opposite of the HS numbering system). When new HSL squadrons were established to operate the new LAMPS Mk III system they were designated beginning with 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.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 4]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[5]Disestablished/ Deactivated as (or current designation)Disestablished/ Deactivated DateNotes
HSL-30 Neptune's Horsemen SH-2F
HH-2D
HU-4: 1 July 1960 – 4 July 1965
(same sqdn listed in HU/HC section)
HC-4(1st): 4 July 1965-Mar 1972
(same sqdn listed in HU/HC section)
HSL-30: Mar 1972-30 Sep 1993
HSL-30
Disestablished
30 September 1993 East coast FRS
HSL-31 Arch Angels SH-2F
HH-2D
HC-5(1st): 1 Sep 1967-Mar 1972
(same sqdn listed in HU/HC section)
HSL-31: Mar 1972-31 July 1992
HSL-31
Disestablished
31 July 1992 West coast FRS
HSL-32 Invaders SH-2F HSL-32: 17 Aug 1973-31 Jan 1994 HSL-32
Disestablished
31 January 1994
HSL-33 Seasnakes SH-2F HSL-33: 31 July 1973-29 Apr 1994 HSL-33
Disestablished
29 April 1994
HSL-34 Greencheckers SH-2F HSL-34: 27 Sep 1974-30 Nov 1993 HSL-34
Disestablished
30 November 1993
HSL-35 Magicians SH-2F HSL-35: 15 Jan 1974-4 Dec 1992 HSL-35
Disestablished
4 December 1992 A new squadron designated HSM-35 was established on 2 May 2013 which adopted the "Magicians" name and insignia, but that squadron is not related to this one
HSL-36 Lamplighters SH-2F HSL-36: 26 Sep 1975-30 Sep 1992 HSL-36
Disestablished
30 September 1992
HSL-37 Easy Riders SH-2F
SH-60B
HSL-37: 3 Jul 1975-Oct 2013
HSM-37: Oct 2013–present
HSM-37 Not applicable, still active
HSL-40 Airwolves SH-60B HSL-40: 4 Oct 1985-Nov 2009
HSM-40: Nov 2009–present
HSM-40 Not applicable, still active East coast FRS
HSL-41 Seahawks SH-60B HSL-41: 21 Jan 1983-Dec 2006
HSM-41: Dec 2006–present
HSM-41 Not applicable, still active West coast FRS
HSL-42 Proud Warriors SH-60B HSL-42: 5 Oct 1984-15 Jan 2013
HSM-72: 15 Jan 2013–present
HSM-72 Not applicable, still active
HSL-43 Battle Cats SH-60B HSL-43: 5 Oct 1984-Feb 2012
HSM-73: Feb 2012–present
HSM-73 Not applicable, still active
HSL-44 Swamp Foxes SH-60B HSL-44: 21 Aug 1986-9 Jun 2011
HSM-74: 9 Jun 2011–present
HSM-74 Not applicable, still active
HSL-45 Wolfpack SH-60B HSL-45: 3 Oct 1986-Feb 2011
HSM-75: Feb 2011–present
HSM-75 Not applicable, still active
HSL-46 Grandmasters SH-60B HSL-46: 7 Apr 1988-Mar 2012
HSM-46: Mar 2012–present
HSM-46 Not applicable, still active
HSL-47 Saberhawks SH-60B HSL-47: 25 Sep 1987-2 Apr 2009
HSM-77: 2 Apr 2009–present
HSM-77 Not applicable, still active
HSL-48 Vipers SH-60B HSL-48: 7 Sep 1989-May 2014
HSM-48: May 2014 – present
HSM-48 Not applicable, still active
HSL-49 Scorpions SH-60B HSL-49: 23 Mar 1990-1 Apr 2015
HSM-49: 1 Apr 2015–present
HSM-49 Not applicable, still active
HSL-51 Warlords UH-3H
SH-60B
HSL-51: 1 Oct 1991-7 Mar 2013
HSM-51: 7 Mar 2013–present
HSM-51 Not applicable, still active In addition to the SH-60B the squadron operated the UH-3H in a VIP transport detachment from 1991-2006 in support of Commander, Seventh Fleet
HSL-60 Jaguars SH-60B HSL-60: 1 Apr 2001-Jul 2015
HSM-60: Jul 2015–present
HSM-60 Not applicable, still active United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-74 Demon Elves SH-2F HS-74: 1 June 1970-Jan 1985
(same sqdn listed in HS section)
HSL-74: Jan 1985-1 Apr 1994
HSL-74
Disestablished
1 April 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-84 Thunderbolts SH-2F
SH-2G
HS-84: 1 July 1970-Apr 1984
(same sqdn listed in HS section)
HSL-84: Apr 1984–present)
(inactive 30 Jun 2001–present)
HSL-84
Deactivated
30 Jun 2001 United States Navy Reserve Squadron
HSL-94 Titans SH-2F
SH-2G
HSL-94: 1 Oct 1985–present
(inactive 1 Apr 2001–present)
HSL-94
Deactivated
1 April 2001 United States Navy Reserve Squadron

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

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.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 5]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[5]Disestablished/ Deactivated as
(or current designation)
Disestablished/ Deactivated DateNotes
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)

Disestablished Mine Countermeasure (HM) squadrons

The HM designation was established in 1971 to designate "Mine Countermeasures" squadrons. It remains in use to the present day.

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 6]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) DatesDisestablished DateNotes
HM-12
(first use)
Sea Dragons RH-53A
RH-53D
CH-53E
MH-53E
HM-12(1st): 1 Apr 1971-30 Sep 1994 30 September 1994 "Split out" of HC-6 on 1 Apr 1971. FRS
HM-16 Seahawks RH-53D HM-16: 27 Oct 1978-2 Jan 1987 2 January 1987 "Split out" of HM-12(1st) on 27 Oct 1978
HM-18 Norsemen RH-53D
MH-53E
HM-18: 1 Oct 1986-4 Mar 1995 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
HM-19: 9 Jan 1989-5 Nov 1994 5 November 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Personnel and aircraft were integrated into HM-15 upon disestablishment

Disestablished other helicopter squadrons

DesignationInsigniaNicknameAircraft[lower-alpha 7]Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) DatesDisestablished DateNotes
VX-3
(first use)
HNS-1
HOS-1
HO3S-1
HTL-1
HRP-1[6]
VX-3(1st): 1 Jul 1946-1 Apr 1948 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)[7]
HUQ-1 MQ-8 HUQ-1: 20 Sep 2012-Mar 2014 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.[8][9] Was transitioned into a MQ-8 maintenance organization in March 2014[10]

See also

References and notes

Notes

  1. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  2. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  3. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  4. Where not listed in a Wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  5. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  6. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"
  7. Where not listed in a wikipedia article, aircraft assignment was derived from "http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm"

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. Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, App 4
  5. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/insignias/naval-aviation-squadron-lineage/helicopter-squadron-lineage.html
  6. Naval Aviation News Sept 1947 pg 1
  7. Thomason, Tommy H. (July 23, 2010), "VX Squadrons", U.S. Navy Aircraft History
  8. OPNAV Notice 5400. 14 August 2012
  9. Stewart, Joshua. "New squadron to deploy, train unmanned helicopter pilots." Navy Times. 30 August 2012.
  10. "HUQ-1 - United States Naval Aviation". Helis.com.

Bibliography

Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons:
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