About this Unit
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HCU-2), later redesignated as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HC-2), was a United States Navy helicopter unit established in April 1948. The squadron was originally based at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, before moving to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. HCU-2’s primary mission was to provide search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and logistics support for the Atlantic Fleet. Over its decades of service, the unit operated various helicopters, including the Sikorsky H-19, SH-3 Sea King, and CH-46 Sea Knight, before being disestablished in 1997.
Historical Facts
• Origins: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HCU-2) was established in April 1948 at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey, originally known as the Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Development Unit.
• Name Change: The squadron was redesignated as HU-2 ("Helicopter Utility Squadron Two") in 1949, and later as HC-2 ("Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO") in 1965, reflecting its expanded mission profile.
• Callsign: HC-2 was famously known by the callsign "Fleet Angels," a testament to their lifesaving search and rescue (SAR) missions at sea and on land.
• Korean War Contributions: The squadron was among the first to deploy helicopters in combat situations, providing vital medevac and logistics support during the Korean War.
• Presidential Support: HC-2 provided helicopter transportation for President Dwight D. Eisenhower during his visits to the USS Des Moines (CA-134) in 1957, marking early presidential use of helicopters.
• Notable Aircraft: Over its history, the squadron operated a wide variety of helicopters, including the Sikorsky HO3S, H-19 Chickasaw, H-34, SH-3 Sea King, and later the UH-3H and HH-60H Seahawk.
• Record-Setting Rescue: In 1968, HC-2 set a record by rescuing 28 crew members from the burning Norwegian tanker S.S. Stolt Dagali off New Jersey, winning national recognition.
• Vietnam Era: The squadron played a key role in the Vietnam War era, providing vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue, and medevac support missions from deployed aircraft carriers.
• Desert Storm Deployments: HC-2 participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s, supporting U.S. Navy operations in the Persian Gulf with logistics and combat support missions.
• Legacy: HC-2 was disestablished in 1994, but its traditions and missions continue through successor squadrons, such as HSC-2, which still trains fleet helicopter crews today.
