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Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

U.S. Air Force•13 members

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About this Unit

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

U.S. Air Force

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7 (HC-7), known as the "Sea Devils," was a distinguished U.S. Navy helicopter squadron established in September 1967. Primarily tasked with combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions during the Vietnam War, HC-7 operated from aircraft carriers and forward bases throughout the Western Pacific. The squadron played a critical role in rescuing downed pilots, saving over 150 lives under hostile conditions. HC-7 was decommissioned in June 1975, earning multiple commendations for its valor and service.

About Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

U.S. Air Force•13 members

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About this Unit

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Michael Abrams

U.S. Navy · 1972 - 1979

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David Spears

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1970 - 1974

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Andrew Dyer

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1966 - 1970

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Michael Huot

U.S. Navy · 1970 - 1972

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About Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.