HC-3

• Origins and Establishment: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (HC-3) was established on 1 September 1967 at Naval Air Station Imperial Beach, California, during the Vietnam War era. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Pack Rats," a name reflecting their support and logistics mission for the Navy. • Primary Mission: HC-3 originally provided vertical replenishment (VERTREP) services, transporting supplies, mail, and personnel between ships at sea using helicopters. • First Helicopter Platform: The squadron initially flew the CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter, a versatile twin-rotor aircraft well-suited for cargo and personnel transport. • Pioneering Vertical Replenishment: HC-3 was the first Navy squadron dedicated solely to the VERTREP mission, revolutionizing underway replenishment tactics for the fleet. • Training Role: In the 1980s, HC-3 transitioned into a Fleet Replacement Squadron, training pilots and aircrew for helicopter operations, significantly increasing its importance in Navy aviation. • Aircraft Evolution: Over time, HC-3 operated several helicopter types, including the CH-46 Sea Knight, and later transitioned to the MH-60S Knighthawk, reflecting advancements in naval aviation technology. • Base Relocation: The squadron moved from NAS Imperial Beach to NAS North Island, San Diego, aligning with Navy realignment strategies and consolidating helicopter operations. • Supporting Major Operations: HC-3 and its crews supported numerous high-profile military and humanitarian operations, including disaster relief efforts, showcasing their versatility beyond combat support. • Legacy and Redesignation: On 1 April 2005, HC-3 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC-3), continuing its legacy as the Navy’s premier helicopter training squadron.