HSC-3

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Three


caption= HSC-23 Merlins Insignia
dates= September 1, 1967-Present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Navy
type= Navy Helicopter Squadron
role=
size=
command_structure=
current_commander= Commander R. Buckingham
garrison= NAS North Island
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname= "Merlins"
patron=
motto=
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=
anniversaries=

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Three (HSC-3), also known as the "Merlins", are a United States Navy helicopter squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. HSC-3 formerly flew the H-46 Sea Knight but have official transitioned to the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter in 2006. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/hc-3.htm]

History

HSC-3 was established on the 1st of April 2005, and is the redesignation for HC-3. HC-3 was established on September 1, 1967 at Naval Air Station Imperial Beach. At that time, HC-3 was the only West Coast vertical replenishment (VERTREP) squadron. Operating from Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships, HC-3 detachments transferred critical supplies to forward deployed ships via helicopter, affording maximum mobility to the Battle Group.

In July 1973, HC-3 moved to its present location aboard NAS North Island. In 1982, HC-3 became the single-site FRS training pilots and aircrew in shipboard landings, VERTREP, SAR, Night Vision Devices (NVDs), tactics and emergency procedures.

The first MH-60S student completed training on April 26 2002. HC-3 completed H-46 training with the last “Phrog” pilot on September 2002.

HSC-3 administers a number of programs in addition to providing trained pilots and aircrew to the Fleet. As the Model Manager for the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) and the NVD program for the MH-60S, HSC-3 evaluates the NATOPS and NVD programs of each HSC squadron annually. HSC-3 instructors also train all Pacific Fleet Helicopter Control Officers (HCOs) and Landing Signalman Enlisted (LSEs). Additionally, as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) SAR Model Manager, HSC-3 establishes the training and equipment requirements for all naval SAR operations.

The hallmark of HSC-3’s success is its dedication to safety and performance. Since 1974, HSC-3 has accumulated over 200,000 Class “A” mishap-free flight hours, making HSC-3 the Navy’s safest helicopter squadron. Accordingly, HSC-3 has been awarded ten CNO Safety Awards. The squadron’s safety record coupled with its superior operational performance has earned HSC-3 seven Commander Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency awards. [http://www.hsc3.navy.mil/history.html]

References

External Links

* [http://www.hsc3.navy.mil/ HSC-3 Official Website]