HC-11

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11), known as the "Gunbearers," was established on 1 October 1977 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The squadron operated primarily the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King and later the Sikorsky UH-60 Seahawk helicopters, providing vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue (SAR), and logistics support for the U.S. Navy fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. HC-11 played a vital role in supporting carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups, especially during operations and exercises in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf. The squadron was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) on 1 April 2005 as part of the Navy’s helicopter reorganization initiative.