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HS-4

37 members•1 unit

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U.S. Navy

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About HS-4

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4), also known as the "Black Knights," was established in 1952 by the United States Navy. The squadron gained international recognition during the Apollo space missions, notably recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts after their historic 1969 moon landing. Throughout its history, HS-4 operated various rotary-wing aircraft, including the HSS-1 Seabat and later the SH-60F Seahawk, conducting anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and fleet support missions. HS-4 was eventually redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Four (HSC-4) in 2012, continuing its legacy with expanded mission capabilities.

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Early Formation: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FOUR (HS-4) was established on 30 June 1952 at NAS Imperial Beach, California, as part of the U.S. Navy's growing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability during the Cold War.
First West Coast ASW Helicopter Squadron: HS-4 was the first ASW helicopter squadron assigned to the Pacific Fleet, paving the way for advanced helicopter operations on the West Coast.
Vietnam War Service: HS-4 participated in numerous combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions during the Vietnam War, saving downed pilots and aircrew under hostile conditions.
Apollo 11 Recovery: HS-4, known as the "Black Knights," was the primary helicopter squadron responsible for recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts after their historic lunar landing in July 1969. Their SH-3D Sea King helicopter was famously seen in worldwide broadcasts.
Apollo 13 & 14 Recoveries: HS-4 also recovered the Apollo 13 and Apollo 14 crews, solidifying their place in space history and earning the squadron special recognition.
Distinctive Black Paint Scheme: The squadron's helicopters were painted black for the Apollo missions, giving rise to the “Black Knights” nickname, which became their enduring squadron identity.
Innovative Technology: HS-4 was among the first squadrons to operate the SH-60F Seahawk, transitioning from the SH-3 Sea King in the late 1980s and introducing more advanced ASW capabilities.
Carrier Deployments: Over its history, HS-4 deployed with numerous aircraft carriers including USS Kitty Hawk, USS Constellation, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Ronald Reagan, participating in operations worldwide.
Global Reach: The squadron conducted operations in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting everything from peacetime exercises to combat missions and humanitarian operations.
Transition to HSC-4: In 2012, HS-4 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Four (HSC-4), shifting from a primary ASW focus to a broader set of missions including combat search and rescue, logistics, and special warfare support.

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HS-4

37 members•1 unit

HS-4 Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the HS-4?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the HS-4?

Do you have HS-4 photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the HS-4.

Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About HS-4

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Early Formation: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FOUR (HS-4) was established on 30 June 1952 at NAS Imperial Beach, California, as part of the U.S. Navy's growing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability during the Cold War.
First West Coast ASW Helicopter Squadron: HS-4 was the first ASW helicopter squadron assigned to the Pacific Fleet, paving the way for advanced helicopter operations on the West Coast.
Vietnam War Service: HS-4 participated in numerous combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions during the Vietnam War, saving downed pilots and aircrew under hostile conditions.
Apollo 11 Recovery: HS-4, known as the "Black Knights," was the primary helicopter squadron responsible for recovering the Apollo 11 astronauts after their historic lunar landing in July 1969. Their SH-3D Sea King helicopter was famously seen in worldwide broadcasts.
Apollo 13 & 14 Recoveries: HS-4 also recovered the Apollo 13 and Apollo 14 crews, solidifying their place in space history and earning the squadron special recognition.
Distinctive Black Paint Scheme: The squadron's helicopters were painted black for the Apollo missions, giving rise to the “Black Knights” nickname, which became their enduring squadron identity.
Innovative Technology: HS-4 was among the first squadrons to operate the SH-60F Seahawk, transitioning from the SH-3 Sea King in the late 1980s and introducing more advanced ASW capabilities.
Carrier Deployments: Over its history, HS-4 deployed with numerous aircraft carriers including USS Kitty Hawk, USS Constellation, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Ronald Reagan, participating in operations worldwide.
Global Reach: The squadron conducted operations in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting everything from peacetime exercises to combat missions and humanitarian operations.
Transition to HSC-4: In 2012, HS-4 was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Four (HSC-4), shifting from a primary ASW focus to a broader set of missions including combat search and rescue, logistics, and special warfare support.

HS-4

About HS-4

About HS-4

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HS-4

About HS-4

About HS-4

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Wheelus Field, Tripoli Libya