ABOUT HS-4
- 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.