HSC-25
Encyclopedia
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty Five (HSC-25) "Island Knights" is a United States Navy
helicopter squadron based at Andersen Air Force Base
, Guam
. The "Island Knights" are the Navy's only forward deployed Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron. HSC-25 flies the MH-60S "Knighthawk" helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut.
HSC-25 is the first and only forward-deployed vertical replenishment (VERTREP) squadron in the Navy and is tasked with supporting Seventh Fleet units in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf. To provide this support, HSC-25 embarks two-aircraft detachments aboard Military Sealift Command vessels which provide transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition to sustain U.S. forces worldwide. In addition, the squadron was tasked in 1992 to provide a permanent Search and Rescue (SAR) detachment aboard the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
. In the spring of 1996, HSC-25 deployed their first night vision device capable amphibious SAR detachment to USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3). In the fall of 2000, the SAR detachment was permanently moved from the USS Belleau Wood to the USS Essex (LHD 2)
.
In the Fall of 2005, HSC-25 was again the first HSC Squadron to assume a new mission, providing essential Air Ambulance services for Coalition Forces, and Compotent Command (CFLCC) in Camp Buering, Kuwait.
The only Navy squadron on board Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, HSC-25 rapidly incorporated itself into “Team Andersen”. In addition to VERTREP, HSC-25 provides 24 hour (overland/over-water) SAR/Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) services for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Averaging over 30 rescues and 70 MEDEVACs per year, HSC-25 also conducts airborne firefighting utilizing externally carried buckets, Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD), drone and torpedo recovery, special operations airborne support, and fleet logistics support for all military activities in the Guam area, including the Maritime Prepositioned Ships (MPS) operating in the local area.
Since February 1984, HSC-25 has moved millions of tons of supplies and ammunition, as well as thousands of personnel, providing much of the logistic power to the 7th and 5th Fleets. The aircraft of HSC-25 have operated as “angels of mercy” on numerous occasions, accomplishing emergency MEDEVAC and rescue missions and participating in Operations TRI-CRAB, Southern Watch, United Shield, Cobra Gold, Vigilant Sentinel, Tandem Thrust and most recently Unified Assistance, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
The trident held by the eagle symbolizes the emphasis being placed on the combat capabilities of the helicopter in the maritime environment as well as pays homage to the squadrons naval heritage. The loads hanging from the trident represent the past, present, and future missions of VERTREP. The five stars remain as a legacy to HC-5, and the globe is arranged to represent the squadron's Area of Operation and it's service to the Pacific Fleet. The black background represents the expanding night capabilities of the squadrons pilots and aircraft.
.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
helicopter squadron based at Andersen Air Force Base
Andersen Air Force Base
Andersen Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately northeast of Yigo in the United States territory of Guam....
, Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
. The "Island Knights" are the Navy's only forward deployed Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron. HSC-25 flies the MH-60S "Knighthawk" helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut.
History
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty Five (HSC-25) was initially established as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five (HC-5) at NAS Agana, Guam on 03 FEB 1984. As the “Providers”, HC-5 flew the H-46D “Sea Knight,” moving to Andersen AFB in 1996 after NAS Agana was closed. Redesignated as the “Island Knights” on 21 APR 2005, HSC-25 provides logistic support for the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Navy’s newest helicopter, the MH-60S “Knighthawk”. The squadron employs approximately eighty officers and four hundred enlisted personnel to fly and maintain the fleet of 14 MH-60S.HSC-25 is the first and only forward-deployed vertical replenishment (VERTREP) squadron in the Navy and is tasked with supporting Seventh Fleet units in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf. To provide this support, HSC-25 embarks two-aircraft detachments aboard Military Sealift Command vessels which provide transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition to sustain U.S. forces worldwide. In addition, the squadron was tasked in 1992 to provide a permanent Search and Rescue (SAR) detachment aboard the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)
USS Belleau Wood , nicknamed "Devil Dog", was the second ship named after the battle of Belleau Wood in World War I. Her keel was laid down on 5 March 1973 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, by Ingalls Shipbuilding. She was launched on 11 April 1977, and commissioned on 23 September 1978, with Captain T.C...
. In the spring of 1996, HSC-25 deployed their first night vision device capable amphibious SAR detachment to USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3). In the fall of 2000, the SAR detachment was permanently moved from the USS Belleau Wood to the USS Essex (LHD 2)
USS Essex (LHD-2)
USS Essex is a built at what is now Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and commissioned on 17 October 1992 while moored at North Island NAS beside the Kitty Hawk . It is the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts...
.
In the Fall of 2005, HSC-25 was again the first HSC Squadron to assume a new mission, providing essential Air Ambulance services for Coalition Forces, and Compotent Command (CFLCC) in Camp Buering, Kuwait.
The only Navy squadron on board Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, HSC-25 rapidly incorporated itself into “Team Andersen”. In addition to VERTREP, HSC-25 provides 24 hour (overland/over-water) SAR/Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) services for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Averaging over 30 rescues and 70 MEDEVACs per year, HSC-25 also conducts airborne firefighting utilizing externally carried buckets, Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD), drone and torpedo recovery, special operations airborne support, and fleet logistics support for all military activities in the Guam area, including the Maritime Prepositioned Ships (MPS) operating in the local area.
Since February 1984, HSC-25 has moved millions of tons of supplies and ammunition, as well as thousands of personnel, providing much of the logistic power to the 7th and 5th Fleets. The aircraft of HSC-25 have operated as “angels of mercy” on numerous occasions, accomplishing emergency MEDEVAC and rescue missions and participating in Operations TRI-CRAB, Southern Watch, United Shield, Cobra Gold, Vigilant Sentinel, Tandem Thrust and most recently Unified Assistance, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Insignia
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty Five was established on 21 April 2005 upon the disestablishment of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five (HC-5). Originally commissioned on 3 February 1984, HC-5 had a reputation for exceptional service and support to the Fifth and Seventh Fleets and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands. The HSC-25 insignia was developed to acknowledge the legacy and attempt to embrace the future of the squadron.The trident held by the eagle symbolizes the emphasis being placed on the combat capabilities of the helicopter in the maritime environment as well as pays homage to the squadrons naval heritage. The loads hanging from the trident represent the past, present, and future missions of VERTREP. The five stars remain as a legacy to HC-5, and the globe is arranged to represent the squadron's Area of Operation and it's service to the Pacific Fleet. The black background represents the expanding night capabilities of the squadrons pilots and aircraft.
Mission
A part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (HSCWINGPAC), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty Five (HSC-25) is the Navy’s only forward deployed vertical replenishment squadron; providing deployed ships a rapid, safe and versatile means of re-supplying diminishing stores. Vertical replenishment at sea can occur without altering ship’s course or tactical position and precludes the necessity for connected replenishment, which is less desirable due to the increased manpower required to successfully complete the mission. HSC-25, also known as the “Island Knights”, is presently a tenant command on board Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and has incorporated itself into “Team Andersen.” In addition to VERTREP, HSC-25 provides 24-hour Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) services for Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. In 2002, the HSC-25 Island Knights launched on 63 SAR missions resulting in the recovery of 7 individuals and 18 MEDEVACS. HSC-25 additionally supports heliborne firefighting for the local area, Vertical Onboard Delivery and fleet logistics support for deployed units in the Guam area.Aircraft
The "Island Knights" fly the MH-60S helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, ConnecticutStratford, Connecticut
Stratford is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, located on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River. It was founded by Puritans in 1639....
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See also
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons