HCU-2

• 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.