About this Unit
Hydrofoil Squadron 2 (PHMRON 2), part of the U.S. Navy, was established in 1978 to operate and evaluate the high-speed Pegasus-class hydrofoils (PHM). Based at Key West, Florida, the squadron's mission focused on coastal patrol, interdiction, and rapid response in littoral waters, particularly in the Caribbean region during the Cold War. PHMRON 2 played a key role in testing the operational capabilities of hydrofoils, demonstrating their effectiveness in drug interdiction and surveillance missions. The squadron was disestablished in 1993 following the retirement of the Pegasus-class hydrofoils from active service.
Historical Facts
• Hydrofoil Pioneers: HYDROFOIL SQUADRON 2 (PHMRON 2) was one of the U.S. Navy's pioneering units operating hydrofoil ships, specifically the Pegasus-class (PHM), which were among the fastest warships in the world at the time.
• Established During the Cold War: The squadron was established in the late 1970s, during the height of the Cold War, to provide high-speed interdiction and patrol capabilities, especially in response to Soviet naval threats.
• Homeport: The squadron was based at Key West, Florida, strategically positioned to patrol the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, a region known for drug trafficking and potential Soviet submarine activity.
• International Collaboration: The Pegasus-class hydrofoils were originally intended to be a NATO project, with German and Italian involvement. However, only the U.S. Navy fielded the full class in operational service.
• MLS Group: PHMRON 2 was part of the Maritime Law Enforcement and Surveillance Group (MLSG), conducting not only military operations but also supporting drug interdiction and migrant interdiction missions.
• Speed Demons: The hydrofoils could reach speeds of over 48 knots (about 55 mph) while "flying" on their foils, making them some of the fastest ships in the U.S. Navy.
• Heavily Armed for Size: Despite their small size, Pegasus-class hydrofoils were heavily armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a rapid-fire 76mm OTO Melara gun, packing a punch for coastal defense.
• Operational Challenges: The hydrofoils were technologically advanced but also maintenance-intensive and expensive to operate, which contributed to their relatively short service life.
• Unique Training: Crewmembers received specialized training in hydrofoil operation, navigation at high speeds, and rapid-response tactics, making them elite within the Navy's surface warfare community.
• Decommissioning and Legacy: PHMRON 2 and the Pegasus-class hydrofoils were decommissioned by 1993, but their innovative technology influenced later developments in high-speed naval craft and littoral warfare concepts.
