About this Unit
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN (HS-7), also known as the "Dusty Dogs," was established in 1960 by the United States Navy. Originally flying the Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, the unit specialized in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, supporting fleet defense during the Cold War. Over the decades, HS-7 transitioned to newer helicopters, including the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk, expanding its mission to include search and rescue (SAR) and combat support. The squadron was redesignated as Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7) in 2009, reflecting its broadened operational capabilities.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: HS-7, also known as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN, was originally established in 1956, making it one of the oldest anti-submarine helicopter squadrons in the U.S. Navy.
• Nickname: The squadron is famously known as the "Dusty Dogs," a moniker adopted in the 1960s and proudly displayed on their aircraft and insignia.
• First Carrier Operations: HS-7 was one of the first squadrons to operate the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter, pioneering carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics.
• Apollo Recovery Missions: HS-7 participated in the recovery operations for NASA’s Apollo missions, notably assisting in the retrieval of astronauts and spacecraft from the ocean.
• Multiple Homeports: Over its history, HS-7 has been based at several locations, including NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, before moving to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
• Combat Deployments: The squadron has seen action in multiple conflicts, including operations during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror.
• Transition to HSC-7: In 2009, HS-7 was redesignated as HSC-7 (Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN) and transitioned to the MH-60S Seahawk, expanding its mission beyond ASW.
• Rescue Operations: HS-7 has a distinguished record of life-saving search and rescue (SAR) missions, both in combat and peacetime, earning numerous awards for valor and excellence.
• Carrier Air Wing Attachments: The "Dusty Dogs" have been assigned to several Carrier Air Wings, including CVW-3 and CVW-8, serving aboard famous aircraft carriers like USS John F. Kennedy and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
• Unit Awards: Throughout its history, HS-7/HSC-7 has earned multiple Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and Battle "E" awards, reflecting its reputation for operational excellence.
