Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

• Establishment: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7 (HC-7) was established on 1 September 1967 at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, primarily to provide combat search and rescue (CSAR) and logistics support during the Vietnam War. • Nickname: HC-7 was famously known as the "Sea Devils," a nickname that reflected their daring missions and aggressive support roles. • Primary Mission: The squadron’s main task was combat search and rescue (CSAR) of downed pilots and aircrew, often deep in hostile territory in North Vietnam, Laos, and surrounding waters. • Aircraft Used: HC-7 operated several helicopter types, most notably the Sikorsky SH-3A/D Sea King and the Kaman UH-2C/D (later SH-2D) Seasprite, modified for rescue operations. • Nickname for Crews: The squadron’s CSAR detachments were dubbed "Big Mothers," a nod to their life-saving missions flying into danger to extract downed airmen. • Record Rescues: HC-7 holds the distinction of rescuing more U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots during the Vietnam War than any other Navy squadron, credited with over 150 combat rescues. • Medal of Honor: Lieutenant Clyde E. Lassen, flying with HC-7, received the Medal of Honor for his heroic night rescue of two downed aviators under heavy fire in North Vietnam on 19 June 1968. • Detachment Operations: HC-7 operated up to eight detachments at a time, deploying on aircraft carriers and support ships throughout the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea. • Dangerous Missions: The squadron’s missions often involved flying into heavily defended areas, braving anti-aircraft artillery and small arms fire, resulting in several aircraft being damaged or lost. • Disestablishment: With the end of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam, HC-7 was disestablished on 30 June 1975, but its legacy of valor and lifesaving continues to be honored by the Navy’s helicopter community.