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My Helicopter Unit
Byron R. Engler
Member Posts: 20 ✭✭
Below is the Unit I was attached to from 1971 until 1974
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two [HELASRON HS-2]
"Golden Falcons"
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO was established on 7 March 1952 as the first Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter squadron on the West Coast, flying the HRS-2. Initially used in small detachments, the first deployment as an entire squadron was made in 1957 when the world famous "Golden Falcons," flying the HSS-1, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CVA-47). At this time, the squadron was manned by 258 enlisted and 39 officers to fly and maintain 17 aircraft. Since that time, the squadron has deployed on eight other carriers including USS YORKTOWN (CVS-10), USS HORNET (CVA-12), USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), USS TICONDEROGA (CVS-14), USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), USS RANGER (CV-61), USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), and USS NIMITZ (CV-68). Today, HS-2 deploys as a member of Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) with 161 enlisted, 24 officers and six Sikorsky H-60 helicopters.
In addition to being the first HS squadron on the West Coast, the squadron boasts a long list of first and unique achievements which attest to the professional caliber and dedication of its officers and men. HS-2 was the first ASW helicopter squadron to make a deployment with the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King, the Navy's first turbine powered all-weather ASW helicopter. HS-2 was also the first H-3 squadron to operationally employ Helicopter In-flight Refueling (HIFR's) at night. In November 1965, an HS-2 SH-3A performed the longest operational flight at the time. The aircraft remained airborne for eleven hours and eighteen minutes on a search and rescue mission in the Gulf of Tonkin with the help of four HIFR's three of which were at night.
Other technical innovations by "Golden Falcons" include the pioneering of submarine detection capabilities with the introduction of the SH-3D in 1974 as a multi-sensor ASW platform. In addition to the Bendix AQS-13B sonar, Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and Multi-Channel Jezebel Relay (MCJR) active sonobuoy systems were added to the aircraft, the latter providing the carrier with sonobuoy monitoring capability. In 1980 the squadron became the first West Coast unit to deploy with new tactical navigation (TACNAV) equipped SH-3D/H helicopters.
HS-2's multi-mission capability has been put to the test in many ways through its history. In 1964, the "Golden Falcon" were called upon to aid in flood rescue operations in Northern California, flying 185 sorties in six days, rescuing 91 people and transporting over 110,000 lbs of relief supplies to victims of the flood. HS-2 performed the first night rescue in North Vietnam in 1965. In 1966 HS-2 participated in the Apollo Saturn 202 spaceshot recovery program, and was responsible for ten overland and five coastal rescues of pilots in North Vietnam during 1967. The "Golden Falcons" provided relief support to snowbound Indians in Arizona over the Christmas holidays of 1967, airlifting fifteen tons of food supplies, flying 292 "Mercy Missions" and performing 37 medical evacuations.
In 1970, HS-2 was the first helicopter squadron to travel across the United States for deployment on a ship from the other coast. In that year, the squadron participated in operations with U.S. Forces responding to the Jordanian Crisis. HS-2 was directed to prepare to go into Amman, Jordan and also provide Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) for the Battle Group. It was during the same year that the American flag was painted on the helicopters. The flag was painted on the aircraft overnight so the helicopter could be distinguished from the Israeli H-3's, which might also be operating in the combat zone. To commemorate the event, the Chief of Naval Operations authorized the American flag to become a permanent part of HS-2's paint scheme. As a result of its superior performance during that period, the squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.
Following the cease-fire agreement in 1972, HS-2 became the first U.S. Naval air unit to fly into North Vietnam, providing transportation to and from Haiphong for the negotiating team. In 1974 the squadron provided relief assistance to the cyclone devastated island of Mauritius.
The 1976 deployment aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) was the first Western Pacific deployment for the Navy's modern CV concept. Along with the S-3A Viking and an on board Tactical Support Center (TSC), HS-2 contributed to the refinement and success of modern day ASW tactics. In the fall of 1979, HS-2 was chosen to participate in amphibious operations with a multi-nation task force. The squadron deployed aboard USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11) and again proved the value of helicopter ASW. HS-2 earned the Humanitarian Service Medal in 1980 for its participation in the rescue of three groups of Vietnamese refugees. In 1984, HS-2 provided the first damage assessments following the collision of a Soviet Victor submarine with USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63).
HS-2 led the way in modern Carrier Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare by transitioning to the SH-60F "Seahawk," the newest and most capable rotary wing ASW weapon system in today's Navy. HS-2 was also the first active duty HS squadron to fully incorporate the Combat Search and Rescue mission, having received two new HH-60H aircraft in November 1990. Additionally, HS-2 was the first HS squadron to deploy with the FLIR/Hellfire weapons system.
HS-2's history of award-winning performance includes recognition as the first helicopter squadron to win the Admiral J.S. "Jimmy" Thach Award, presented to the most outstanding carrier ASW squadron. The award was first won in 1971 and again in 1975. The COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency Award, or Battle "E," has been awarded to the squadron nine times: 1960, 1963, 1971, 1977, 1984, 1987,1994, and back-to-back awards in 1996 and 1997. HS-2's long-standing leadership in the community is best exemplified by its accumulation of eleven Arnold Jay Isbell Trophies for ASW excellence, more than any other squadron in the United States Navy. This award was presented to HS-2 in 1960, 1963, 1970,1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 and 1994. HS-2's stellar safety record documented by eight CNO Aviation Safety Awards for the years 1964, 1969, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1987, 1991 and 1995. In 1996 and 1997, the "Golden Falcon" Maintenance Department continued to set the standard by winning the Sikorsky Aircraft Excellence in Maintenance Award.
I was proud to be called one of the Golden Falcons. We were deployed aboard the USS Cleveland in 1971, the Ticonderoga in 1972 and the USS Enterprise in 1973 and 1974.
______________________________________________________________
Guns do not create crime anymore than flies create garbage
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two [HELASRON HS-2]
"Golden Falcons"
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO was established on 7 March 1952 as the first Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter squadron on the West Coast, flying the HRS-2. Initially used in small detachments, the first deployment as an entire squadron was made in 1957 when the world famous "Golden Falcons," flying the HSS-1, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CVA-47). At this time, the squadron was manned by 258 enlisted and 39 officers to fly and maintain 17 aircraft. Since that time, the squadron has deployed on eight other carriers including USS YORKTOWN (CVS-10), USS HORNET (CVA-12), USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), USS TICONDEROGA (CVS-14), USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), USS RANGER (CV-61), USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), and USS NIMITZ (CV-68). Today, HS-2 deploys as a member of Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) with 161 enlisted, 24 officers and six Sikorsky H-60 helicopters.
In addition to being the first HS squadron on the West Coast, the squadron boasts a long list of first and unique achievements which attest to the professional caliber and dedication of its officers and men. HS-2 was the first ASW helicopter squadron to make a deployment with the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King, the Navy's first turbine powered all-weather ASW helicopter. HS-2 was also the first H-3 squadron to operationally employ Helicopter In-flight Refueling (HIFR's) at night. In November 1965, an HS-2 SH-3A performed the longest operational flight at the time. The aircraft remained airborne for eleven hours and eighteen minutes on a search and rescue mission in the Gulf of Tonkin with the help of four HIFR's three of which were at night.
Other technical innovations by "Golden Falcons" include the pioneering of submarine detection capabilities with the introduction of the SH-3D in 1974 as a multi-sensor ASW platform. In addition to the Bendix AQS-13B sonar, Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and Multi-Channel Jezebel Relay (MCJR) active sonobuoy systems were added to the aircraft, the latter providing the carrier with sonobuoy monitoring capability. In 1980 the squadron became the first West Coast unit to deploy with new tactical navigation (TACNAV) equipped SH-3D/H helicopters.
HS-2's multi-mission capability has been put to the test in many ways through its history. In 1964, the "Golden Falcon" were called upon to aid in flood rescue operations in Northern California, flying 185 sorties in six days, rescuing 91 people and transporting over 110,000 lbs of relief supplies to victims of the flood. HS-2 performed the first night rescue in North Vietnam in 1965. In 1966 HS-2 participated in the Apollo Saturn 202 spaceshot recovery program, and was responsible for ten overland and five coastal rescues of pilots in North Vietnam during 1967. The "Golden Falcons" provided relief support to snowbound Indians in Arizona over the Christmas holidays of 1967, airlifting fifteen tons of food supplies, flying 292 "Mercy Missions" and performing 37 medical evacuations.
In 1970, HS-2 was the first helicopter squadron to travel across the United States for deployment on a ship from the other coast. In that year, the squadron participated in operations with U.S. Forces responding to the Jordanian Crisis. HS-2 was directed to prepare to go into Amman, Jordan and also provide Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) for the Battle Group. It was during the same year that the American flag was painted on the helicopters. The flag was painted on the aircraft overnight so the helicopter could be distinguished from the Israeli H-3's, which might also be operating in the combat zone. To commemorate the event, the Chief of Naval Operations authorized the American flag to become a permanent part of HS-2's paint scheme. As a result of its superior performance during that period, the squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.
Following the cease-fire agreement in 1972, HS-2 became the first U.S. Naval air unit to fly into North Vietnam, providing transportation to and from Haiphong for the negotiating team. In 1974 the squadron provided relief assistance to the cyclone devastated island of Mauritius.
The 1976 deployment aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) was the first Western Pacific deployment for the Navy's modern CV concept. Along with the S-3A Viking and an on board Tactical Support Center (TSC), HS-2 contributed to the refinement and success of modern day ASW tactics. In the fall of 1979, HS-2 was chosen to participate in amphibious operations with a multi-nation task force. The squadron deployed aboard USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11) and again proved the value of helicopter ASW. HS-2 earned the Humanitarian Service Medal in 1980 for its participation in the rescue of three groups of Vietnamese refugees. In 1984, HS-2 provided the first damage assessments following the collision of a Soviet Victor submarine with USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63).
HS-2 led the way in modern Carrier Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare by transitioning to the SH-60F "Seahawk," the newest and most capable rotary wing ASW weapon system in today's Navy. HS-2 was also the first active duty HS squadron to fully incorporate the Combat Search and Rescue mission, having received two new HH-60H aircraft in November 1990. Additionally, HS-2 was the first HS squadron to deploy with the FLIR/Hellfire weapons system.
HS-2's history of award-winning performance includes recognition as the first helicopter squadron to win the Admiral J.S. "Jimmy" Thach Award, presented to the most outstanding carrier ASW squadron. The award was first won in 1971 and again in 1975. The COMNAVAIRPAC Battle Efficiency Award, or Battle "E," has been awarded to the squadron nine times: 1960, 1963, 1971, 1977, 1984, 1987,1994, and back-to-back awards in 1996 and 1997. HS-2's long-standing leadership in the community is best exemplified by its accumulation of eleven Arnold Jay Isbell Trophies for ASW excellence, more than any other squadron in the United States Navy. This award was presented to HS-2 in 1960, 1963, 1970,1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 and 1994. HS-2's stellar safety record documented by eight CNO Aviation Safety Awards for the years 1964, 1969, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1987, 1991 and 1995. In 1996 and 1997, the "Golden Falcon" Maintenance Department continued to set the standard by winning the Sikorsky Aircraft Excellence in Maintenance Award.
I was proud to be called one of the Golden Falcons. We were deployed aboard the USS Cleveland in 1971, the Ticonderoga in 1972 and the USS Enterprise in 1973 and 1974.
______________________________________________________________
Guns do not create crime anymore than flies create garbage
Comments
What exactly were your duties while serving in this unit?
oooops.....there goes that CNO safety award![:D]
lost hydralics but not main rotor. splashed in but pilot kept it afloat and motored it to the ship like a boat before the rotors quit. strut bags worked. they craned it back on board. no losses.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
At the time I was in HS-2 I believe we had 150 men including Officers and Enlisted Men. We had a Willy's Jeep, that we could rent for 2.00 a day on weekends to take and drive around Imperial Beach NAS Air Station Base, any where we wanted to go. I drove it up through the the San Diego area, and would tease the street walkers. I would be designated driver when we had a gold tournament at the Military Golf Course. I would have a helper and we drove up to the Officers and enlisted men with the jeep and dispense beer from a keg for them.. Blue Jeep, with HS-2 Patches on both sides.
I was also given the distinctive designation of CO's Wife's personal driver when she went to the PX, off base and beauty shop. I remember they had a male filipino Sailor as a maid butler cook and whatever else they made him do. We also had night watches checking the helo's for illegal aliens. We were just a couple of miles from Tijuana Mexico. We could see the large Bull fighting ring from our flight line.
Sorry for Rambling, but makes me go back. Byron
I remember having to go down and help wash Helo's. Check the flotation devices and the inflatable bags near the wheels. Was fun to get new boots to think that the p tube was a sound powered phone, they would be underneath screaming into the tube, until the yellow rain flowed.
those metal boxes were known as 'cruise boxes.'[:D]
HS2 M/C and R/R was out on the angle near cat 3 around the chapel and P.O.. the steam cats past the maze were always HOT and the staging areas were unbearable at times. i always felt sorry for anyone out there.
i knew NAS N.I. very well. its practically a ghost town now.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
I use to frequent the Jolly Roger for the cheap nickel night beer. I lived off base up near Balboa Navy Hospital. I was living on Park Street. Never lived in the barracks but about 2 weeks.
do the terms jolly green and 'mother' ring a bell?
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
san diego was and still is sky high to live. i moved back east! i'll dig some more out for you later on. regards...
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.