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HSL-36

U.S. Navy•14 members

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About this Unit

HSL-36

U.S. Navy

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 36 (HSL-36) was a United States Navy helicopter squadron established on 1 June 1973. The unit operated the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and utility support primarily to surface combatants as part of the Navy’s Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program. HSL-36 was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, and played a key role in enhancing fleet readiness during the Cold War by deploying detachments aboard frigates and destroyers. The squadron was disestablished on 30 September 1984 as part of a broader reorganization of Navy helicopter forces.

About HSL-36

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Squadron Designation: HSL-36 stood for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 36, a unit in the United States Navy specializing in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) using light helicopters.
Establishment: HSL-36 was established on 1 July 1973 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, during a period of rapid naval aviation expansion.
Primary Aircraft: The squadron primarily operated the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter, a versatile platform for ASW, search and rescue, and utility missions.
LAMPS Mission: HSL-36 was part of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program, providing critical over-the-horizon targeting and reconnaissance for naval task groups.
Deployments: The squadron deployed detachments aboard various Knox-class frigates and other surface combatants, often operating independently far from home port.
Cold War Operations: HSL-36 played a significant role in Cold War maritime strategy, tracking Soviet submarines and supporting NATO naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Innovative Tactics: The unit helped pioneer the use of small helicopter detachments on ships, a concept that would later expand across the fleet with the LAMPS Mk III program.
Unit Nickname: HSL-36 was known as the "Lamplighters," a nod to their LAMPS role and their ability to "illuminate" threats to the fleet.
Deactivation: The squadron was decommissioned on 1 October 1984 as part of a broader realignment of helicopter units and the transition to newer helicopter models.
Legacy: Many of HSL-36's personnel and traditions carried forward into successor squadrons, contributing to the evolution of naval helicopter tactics and the eventual introduction of the SH-60B Seahawk in the U.S. Navy.

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HSL-36

U.S. Navy•14 members

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About this Unit

HSL-36

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Edward Hosler

U.S. Navy · 1979 - 1983

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Jerry Brewster

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1986 - 1990

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Darin Buckner

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1979 - 1982

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Lawrence Waugh

U.S. Navy · 1975 - 1977

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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 HSL-36

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Squadron Designation: HSL-36 stood for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 36, a unit in the United States Navy specializing in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) using light helicopters.
Establishment: HSL-36 was established on 1 July 1973 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, during a period of rapid naval aviation expansion.
Primary Aircraft: The squadron primarily operated the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter, a versatile platform for ASW, search and rescue, and utility missions.
LAMPS Mission: HSL-36 was part of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) program, providing critical over-the-horizon targeting and reconnaissance for naval task groups.
Deployments: The squadron deployed detachments aboard various Knox-class frigates and other surface combatants, often operating independently far from home port.
Cold War Operations: HSL-36 played a significant role in Cold War maritime strategy, tracking Soviet submarines and supporting NATO naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Innovative Tactics: The unit helped pioneer the use of small helicopter detachments on ships, a concept that would later expand across the fleet with the LAMPS Mk III program.
Unit Nickname: HSL-36 was known as the "Lamplighters," a nod to their LAMPS role and their ability to "illuminate" threats to the fleet.
Deactivation: The squadron was decommissioned on 1 October 1984 as part of a broader realignment of helicopter units and the transition to newer helicopter models.
Legacy: Many of HSL-36's personnel and traditions carried forward into successor squadrons, contributing to the evolution of naval helicopter tactics and the eventual introduction of the SH-60B Seahawk in the U.S. Navy.