HC-1
{{short description|Former helicopter squadron of the United States Navy}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1)
|image= 200px
|caption=
|dates= 1 April 1948 – 29 April 1994
|country= United States of America
|allegiance=
|branch= {{nowrap|File:United States Department of the Navy Seal.svg United States Navy}}
|type= Navy Helicopter Squadron
|role=
|size= Squadron
|command_structure=
|current_commander=
|garrison= NAS North Island
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname= "Pacific Fleet Angels"
|patron=
|motto=
|colors=
|march=
|mascot=
|battles=Vietnam War
Gulf War
|anniversaries=
}}
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.{{cite web| url = http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/hsc2/Pages/History.aspx| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130915123006/http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/hsc2/Pages/History.aspx| archive-date = 2013-09-15| title = History}}
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.{{cite book|first1=David|last1=Donald|first2=Jon|last2=Lake|title=U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Directory|section=US Navy Units|date=1992}}
Performing SAR and flying SH3G and CH53E helos, HC-1 operated out of Naval Air Station North Island - NASNI - in Coronado, CA.
Fleet Angels. So Others May Live.
A detachment of HC-1 participated in Operation Desert Storm aboard {{USS|Tarawa|LHA-1|6}} and during its return played a key role assisting civilians in aftermath of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.
The squadron was disestablished on 29 April 1994.{{fact|date=February 2024}}
Equipment
The squadron has operated several types during its history:
See also
References
{{reflist}}