Garrison/HQ NAS North Island | ||
Active 1 April 1948 - 29 April 1994 Country United States of America Type Navy Helicopter Squadron | ||
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HELSUPPRON ONE or HC-1) (previously Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE (HU-1)), also known as the "Pacific Fleet Angels" or just "Angels", was a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy operating several helicopter types in support of Pacific Fleet ships and other units. The squadron was established on 1 April 1948 and disestablished on 29 April 1994.
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History
Early experience with helicopters by the Navy was developed by Helicopter Development Squadron THREE (VX-3) which operated out of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. This led to the creation of the service's first two designated helicopter squadrons, HU-1 and HU-2 on 1 April 1948.
As the Navy changed the scope of roles for its utility helicopter squadrons, it also re-designated them Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons. HU-1 was duly re-designated HC-1 on 1 July 1965.
A detachment of HC-1 participated in Operation Desert Storm aboard USS Tarawa and during its return played a key role assisting civilians in aftermath of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone.
The squadron was disestablished on 29 April 1994.
Equipment
The squadron has operated several types during its history: