This article is about the helicopter squadron active from 1948 to 1977. For the squadron designated HC-2 from 1987 to 2006, see HSC-2.
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2), also known as the "Fleet Angels", was a multi-role helicoptersquadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and remained active until disestablished on 30 September 1977.
Early experience with helicopters by the U.S. Navy was begun with Helicopter Development Squadron 3 (VX-3), which operated out of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey (USA). This led to creation of the service's first two designated helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Utility Squadron 1 (HU-1) and HU-2 on 1 April 1948. Both squadrons were given the nickname "Fleet Angels" and their full designation was Helicopter Utility Squadron, reflecting the multiple missions that these squadrons were expected to be able to complete. In July 1965, HU-2 was re-designated Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2). After 25 years at NAS Lakehurst, the squadron was relocated to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida (USA), where on 30 September 1977, the squadron would be disestablished due to budget constraints following nearly 30 years of service.[1]
A Sikorsky SH-3G of HC-2 aboard USS America in 1974.
During the squadron's establishment, they would conduct a total of 2,318 rescues and achieve a list of naval helicopter firsts:
First night full autorotation to a ship's flight deck;
After disestablishment, the squadron's traditions and the name "Fleet Angels" was picked up by the second HC-2 on 1 April 1987 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, who continue to carry them to this day under the designation Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2).[2]
^"HSC-2 'Fleet Angels'". seaforces.org. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
^. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013.
Further readingedit
Marriott, Barbara. The Fleet Angels of Lakehurst: Their History, Heroics and Humor. Tucson, AZ: Loose Leaves Publishing, LLC, 2012. ISBN9781624320002OCLC 943815286
May 04, 2024
1948, 1977, this, article, about, helicopter, squadron, active, from, 1948, 1977, squadron, designated, from, 1987, 2006, helicopter, combat, support, squadron, also, known, fleet, angels, multi, role, helicopter, squadron, united, states, navy, based, naval, . This article is about the helicopter squadron active from 1948 to 1977 For the squadron designated HC 2 from 1987 to 2006 see HSC 2 Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 HC 2 also known as the Fleet Angels was a multi role helicopter squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and remained active until disestablished on 30 September 1977 Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 HC 2 Active1 April 1948 30 September 1977Country United States of AmericaBranchUnited States NavyTypeNavy Helicopter SquadronGarrison HQNAS JacksonvilleNickname s Fleet Angels Contents 1 History 2 See also 3 References 4 Further readingHistory editEarly experience with helicopters by the U S Navy was begun with Helicopter Development Squadron 3 VX 3 which operated out of Naval Air Station Lakehurst New Jersey USA This led to creation of the service s first two designated helicopter squadrons Helicopter Utility Squadron 1 HU 1 and HU 2 on 1 April 1948 Both squadrons were given the nickname Fleet Angels and their full designation was Helicopter Utility Squadron reflecting the multiple missions that these squadrons were expected to be able to complete In July 1965 HU 2 was re designated Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 HC 2 After 25 years at NAS Lakehurst the squadron was relocated to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Florida USA where on 30 September 1977 the squadron would be disestablished due to budget constraints following nearly 30 years of service 1 nbsp A Sikorsky SH 3G of HC 2 aboard USS America in 1974 During the squadron s establishment they would conduct a total of 2 318 rescues and achieve a list of naval helicopter firsts First all weather day night detachment First blimp rescue First medical evacuation MEDEVAC First night Doppler rescue First night full autorotation to a ship s flight deck After disestablishment the squadron s traditions and the name Fleet Angels was picked up by the second HC 2 on 1 April 1987 at Naval Air Station Norfolk Virginia who continue to carry them to this day under the designation Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 HSC 2 2 See also editHistory of the United States Navy List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadronsReferences edit HSC 2 Fleet Angels seaforces org Retrieved 11 November 2014 History Archived from the original on 15 September 2013 Further reading editMarriott Barbara The Fleet Angels of Lakehurst Their History Heroics and Humor Tucson AZ Loose Leaves Publishing LLC 2012 ISBN 9781624320002 OCLC 943815286 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title HC 2 1948 1977 amp oldid 1202929504, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
