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HS-9

U.S. Navy•17 members

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About this Unit

HS-9

U.S. Navy

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9 (HS-9), known as the "Sea Griffins," was a distinguished United States Navy helicopter squadron established in 1956. Flying primarily the SH-3 Sea King and later the SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, HS-9 specialized in anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and fleet support missions. The squadron participated in numerous major operations, including deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean aboard various aircraft carriers, such as the USS Nimitz and USS Saratoga. HS-9 was deactivated in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of operational excellence and innovation in naval aviation.

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Historical Facts

Origins: HS-9, or Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9, was first established on 1 June 1956 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Sea Griffins," and their distinctive insignia featured a griffin with a trident.
Aircraft Evolution: HS-9 initially flew the Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, later transitioning to models such as the SH-3 Sea King and, eventually, the SH-60F Seahawk.
Cuban Missile Crisis: HS-9 participated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, providing anti-submarine patrols during the naval quarantine of Cuba.
Apollo Recovery Missions: HS-9 helicopters were part of the recovery forces for America's Apollo space missions, including Apollo 7 and Apollo 9, assisting in returning astronauts to safety.
Vietnam War: Elements of HS-9 deployed to the Vietnam War, supporting anti-submarine operations and search and rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Carrier Deployments: HS-9 frequently deployed aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Saratoga (CV-60), providing anti-submarine and combat search and rescue capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, HS-9 played a crucial role in enforcing maritime blockades and hunting for enemy submarines in the Persian Gulf.
Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat operations, HS-9 was involved in humanitarian relief efforts, including disaster response and search and rescue missions in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Disestablishment: HS-9 was officially disestablished on 30 April 1993, after nearly 37 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy.

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HS-9

U.S. Navy•17 members

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About this Unit

HS-9

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Kenneth Windt

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1981 - 1984

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Richard Gray

U.S. Navy · 1963 - 1966

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Stephen Mason

U.S. Navy · 1972 - 1994

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Raymond Murphy

U.S. Navy · 1959 - 1963

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About HS-9

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins: HS-9, or Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9, was first established on 1 June 1956 at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Sea Griffins," and their distinctive insignia featured a griffin with a trident.
Aircraft Evolution: HS-9 initially flew the Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, later transitioning to models such as the SH-3 Sea King and, eventually, the SH-60F Seahawk.
Cuban Missile Crisis: HS-9 participated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, providing anti-submarine patrols during the naval quarantine of Cuba.
Apollo Recovery Missions: HS-9 helicopters were part of the recovery forces for America's Apollo space missions, including Apollo 7 and Apollo 9, assisting in returning astronauts to safety.
Vietnam War: Elements of HS-9 deployed to the Vietnam War, supporting anti-submarine operations and search and rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Carrier Deployments: HS-9 frequently deployed aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Saratoga (CV-60), providing anti-submarine and combat search and rescue capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, HS-9 played a crucial role in enforcing maritime blockades and hunting for enemy submarines in the Persian Gulf.
Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat operations, HS-9 was involved in humanitarian relief efforts, including disaster response and search and rescue missions in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Disestablishment: HS-9 was officially disestablished on 30 April 1993, after nearly 37 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy.