HC-3

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (HC-3), nicknamed the "Merlins," was established by the U.S. Navy on September 1, 1967, at Naval Air Station Imperial Beach, California. Its primary mission was to provide vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and logistics support to the Pacific Fleet using CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Over the years, HC-3 became a major fleet replacement squadron, training pilots and aircrew for helicopter combat support operations. In 2005, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft, HC-3 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC-3), transitioning to the MH-60S Seahawk platform.