Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Five
Encyclopedia
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Five was a US Navy Special Warfare and Close Air Support helicopter squadron in the period following Vietnam, which, along with its sister squadron HA(L)-4 "Red Wolves", was one of the last two US Navy squadrons using "Huey" (UH-1) Gunships.
rotary support was originated as part of the response to the ongoing Vietnam War
. Starting with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1), detachments of helicopter gunships supported the Mobile Riverine Force
(also known as the Brown-water navy
) effort in the Mekong Delta
region of South Vietnam. HC-1 “Fleet Angels” operated two-aircraft detachments of UH-1B gunships, staged from amphibious vessels. Providing a quick reaction force and performing a close air-support (CAS) role for units of the Navy's Special Warfare Groups and the Mobile Riverine Force
, the effectiveness of the helicopter attack mission was quickly realized and in response, the Navy began to widen the mission, creating the need for a specific Squadron to provide that support. In April 1967, HC-1 was divided into four separate units, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) THREE (Navy Gunships)
, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (Navy Vertical Replenishment), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (LAMPS), and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN (Navy Combat Search and Rescue).
Nicknamed the "Sea Wolves", HA(L)-3
was established in South Vietnam with its headquarters originally in Vung Tau and later in Binh Thuy, originally flying in support of Operation Game Warden
, earned over 20,000 unit and personnel awards. In 1972 HA(L)-3
was disestablished and in 1997, the US Navy recognized the service of the squadrons aircrew, retroactively awarding the Combat Aircrew Insignia
to Combat Aircrewmen who served in Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
.
, the Navy determined that it still had a need for the Navy Gunship, establishing two new Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadrons in the Naval Reserves as part of the newly formed Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve (COMHELWINGRES) in 1976. Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) FIVE (HA(L)-5), nicknamed the “Blue Hawks”, was established at Naval Air Station Point Mugu
, California on the June 11, 1977 and its sister squadron, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) FOUR (HA(L)-4), known as the Red Wolves
, was formed at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia
on July, 1 1976.
Given the mission of providing support to the Naval Special Warfare Command in support of Navy SEALs
, EOD
, and Navy Special Boat Units, flying the HH-1K Iroquois, the Navy once again had Gunships to support its special warfare operations. The HH-1K, possessing the same firepower as the UH-1B aircraft used by the HA(L)-3 Sea Wolves, had greater lift capability and allowed the aircraft to carry a higher payload. Outfitted with the M-21 weapons subsystem, it included two co-pilot controlled GAU-2B/A miniguns
, two pilot-controlled rocket launchers, with a total of twenty-eight 2.75 inch Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR)
, and two crew operated M60 light machineguns
. The aircraft was also equipped with a crew-controlled rescue hoist, although its primary mission did not include Combat Search and Rescue
and the crews didn't include Rescue Swimmers
.
With the proliferation and modernization of weapons technology in the four years since Vietnam, HA(L)-5 aircraft and crews deployed new countermeasures and tactics to defeat the changing combat threat environment,introducing Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and a flight profile called Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE)
, the aircrews learned to avoid detection by enemy forces and minimize the threat of hand-held infra-red seeking missile systems.
The squadron, consisting of eight HH-1K Iroquois helicopters, 40 flight crewmen, and 150 maintenance and support personnel, operated in support of the Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Group at the Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego, California
and made deployments to countries such as Egypt
and South Korea
.
, with the new aircraft significantly more capable of surviving in high-threat environments and able to operate from a wider variety of Navy ships. In conjunction with the United States Coast Guard
, the US Navy undertook the development of the new CSAR helicopter, designated HH-60H Rescue Hawk in the USN and HH-60J Jayhawk in the USCG. HA(L)-5 was dis-established on October 20, 1988 and replaced by Helicopter Support Special FIVE(HCS-5), nicknamed the "Firehawks" operating the new HH-60H helicopters. HCS-5 would remain at NAS Point Mugu for several years before moving to NAS North Island, the original home of HC-9. Most of the original HA(L)-5 personnel and crew transitioned to the new squadron along with members of the also disestablished HC-9, with the standard crew growing from four to five, with the addition of a Rescue swimmer
.
. Although configured to represent the HA(L)-3 Seawolves
aircraft 301 of the Vietnam War, it is in fact Navy Bureau Number 157188 of HA(L)-5.
Another one of the HA(L)-5’s HH-1K is still flying as part of the Ventura County, California Sheriff and Fire Department’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Aerial unit. Although no longer painted in the original olive-drab, low-infrared paint, the former gunship can be seen in its new yellow and blue colors of Ventura County at Camarillo Airport, California.
HH-1K NW305 is on display at the China Lake Museum of Armament and Technology. This aircraft was restored for the museum by fomer HAL-5 Bluehawk enlisted and officers. NW305 is slated to be refurbished in the near future again by the crewmen who originally flew and maintained her during her career as a gunship.
Official HCS-5 website:
Official HC-9 website:
Official HA(L)-3 website
National Naval Aviation Museum:
Genesis of the HA(L) squadrons
In 1966, United States Naval Special Warfare CommandUnited States Naval Special Warfare Command
The United States Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned on April 16, 1987, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California...
rotary support was originated as part of the response to the ongoing Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. Starting with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1), detachments of helicopter gunships supported the Mobile Riverine Force
Mobile Riverine Force
In the Vietnam War, the Mobile Riverine Force , initially designated Mekong Delta Mobile Afloat Force, and later euphemistically the Riverines, were a joint US Army and US Navy force that comprised a substantial part of the Brown Water Navy...
(also known as the Brown-water navy
Brown-water navy
Brown-water navy is a term that originated in the United States Navy, referring to the small gunboats and patrol boats used in rivers, along with some of the larger ships that supported them as "mother ships," from which they operated...
) effort in the Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of . The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.The...
region of South Vietnam. HC-1 “Fleet Angels” operated two-aircraft detachments of UH-1B gunships, staged from amphibious vessels. Providing a quick reaction force and performing a close air-support (CAS) role for units of the Navy's Special Warfare Groups and the Mobile Riverine Force
Mobile Riverine Force
In the Vietnam War, the Mobile Riverine Force , initially designated Mekong Delta Mobile Afloat Force, and later euphemistically the Riverines, were a joint US Army and US Navy force that comprised a substantial part of the Brown Water Navy...
, the effectiveness of the helicopter attack mission was quickly realized and in response, the Navy began to widen the mission, creating the need for a specific Squadron to provide that support. In April 1967, HC-1 was divided into four separate units, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) THREE (Navy Gunships)
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (Navy Vertical Replenishment), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (LAMPS), and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN (Navy Combat Search and Rescue).
Nicknamed the "Sea Wolves", HA(L)-3
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
was established in South Vietnam with its headquarters originally in Vung Tau and later in Binh Thuy, originally flying in support of Operation Game Warden
Operation Game Warden
Operation Game Warden, Task force 116, was an operation to deny Viet Cong access to the resources in the Mekong Delta which was conceived of in December 1965. U.S. naval forces, backed by Marine artillery on the ground, launching a rapid surprise attack on the dozens of small Viet Cong ports which...
, earned over 20,000 unit and personnel awards. In 1972 HA(L)-3
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
was disestablished and in 1997, the US Navy recognized the service of the squadrons aircrew, retroactively awarding the Combat Aircrew Insignia
Aircrew Badge
The Aircrew Badge, commonly known as Wings, is a qualification badge of the United States military that is awarded by all five branches of armed services to personnel who serve as crew members on board military aircraft. The badge is intended to recognize the training and qualifications required...
to Combat Aircrewmen who served in Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
.
The Birth of the Blue Hawks
Four years after the disestablishment of HA(L)-3Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
, the Navy determined that it still had a need for the Navy Gunship, establishing two new Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadrons in the Naval Reserves as part of the newly formed Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve (COMHELWINGRES) in 1976. Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) FIVE (HA(L)-5), nicknamed the “Blue Hawks”, was established at Naval Air Station Point Mugu
Naval Air Station Point Mugu
Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu or NBVC Point Mugu is a military airbase located in Point Mugu, Ventura County, California, United States. Due to realignment actions which occurred in 2000, the base is now part of Naval Base Ventura County , a consolidated organization that also includes...
, California on the June 11, 1977 and its sister squadron, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) FOUR (HA(L)-4), known as the Red Wolves
HSC-84
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84 "Red Wolves" is a helicopter squadron of the United States Navy Reserve. Along with the "Firehawks" of HSC-85, the “Red Wolves” are one of only two squadrons in the U.S. Navy dedicated to supporting Navy SEAL and SWCC Teams, and Combat Search & Rescue...
, was formed at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
on July, 1 1976.
Given the mission of providing support to the Naval Special Warfare Command in support of Navy SEALs
United States Navy SEALs
The United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command.The acronym is derived from their...
, EOD
United States Navy EOD
United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians render safe all types of ordnance, including improvised, chemical, biological, and nuclear. They perform land and underwater location, identification, render-safe, and recovery of foreign and domestic ordnance...
, and Navy Special Boat Units, flying the HH-1K Iroquois, the Navy once again had Gunships to support its special warfare operations. The HH-1K, possessing the same firepower as the UH-1B aircraft used by the HA(L)-3 Sea Wolves, had greater lift capability and allowed the aircraft to carry a higher payload. Outfitted with the M-21 weapons subsystem, it included two co-pilot controlled GAU-2B/A miniguns
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
, two pilot-controlled rocket launchers, with a total of twenty-eight 2.75 inch Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR)
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than...
, and two crew operated M60 light machineguns
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
. The aircraft was also equipped with a crew-controlled rescue hoist, although its primary mission did not include Combat Search and Rescue
Combat search and rescue
Combat search and rescue are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.A CSAR mission may be carried out by a task force of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, tankers and an airborne command post...
and the crews didn't include Rescue Swimmers
Rescue swimmer
The term rescue swimmer may be applied to any number of water rescue professionals, in coast guards and militaries operating around the world....
.
With the proliferation and modernization of weapons technology in the four years since Vietnam, HA(L)-5 aircraft and crews deployed new countermeasures and tactics to defeat the changing combat threat environment,introducing Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and a flight profile called Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE)
Nap-of-the-earth
Nap-of-the-earth is a type of very low-altitude flight course used by military aircraft to avoid enemy detection and attack in a high-threat environment....
, the aircrews learned to avoid detection by enemy forces and minimize the threat of hand-held infra-red seeking missile systems.
The squadron, consisting of eight HH-1K Iroquois helicopters, 40 flight crewmen, and 150 maintenance and support personnel, operated in support of the Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Group at the Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and made deployments to countries such as Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
and South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
Changing of the Guard
In 1983, a proposal was made to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to combine the mission of the Naval Special Warfare Support mission of HA(L)-5 and HA(L)-4 with the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Mission of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron NINE (HC-9), nicknamed the "Protectors". Two new squadrons, replacing three in the United States Navy ReserveUnited States Navy Reserve
The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the Reserve Component of the United States Navy...
, with the new aircraft significantly more capable of surviving in high-threat environments and able to operate from a wider variety of Navy ships. In conjunction with the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
, the US Navy undertook the development of the new CSAR helicopter, designated HH-60H Rescue Hawk in the USN and HH-60J Jayhawk in the USCG. HA(L)-5 was dis-established on October 20, 1988 and replaced by Helicopter Support Special FIVE(HCS-5), nicknamed the "Firehawks" operating the new HH-60H helicopters. HCS-5 would remain at NAS Point Mugu for several years before moving to NAS North Island, the original home of HC-9. Most of the original HA(L)-5 personnel and crew transitioned to the new squadron along with members of the also disestablished HC-9, with the standard crew growing from four to five, with the addition of a Rescue swimmer
Rescue swimmer
The term rescue swimmer may be applied to any number of water rescue professionals, in coast guards and militaries operating around the world....
.
Where to See Navy HH-1K Gunships Today
Although there are no longer Navy HH-1K Iroquois helicopters in U.S. Naval service, HA(L)-5’s aircraft are still available to be seen. One of HA(L)-5’s HH-1K is on static display at the National Museum of Naval AviationNational Museum of Naval Aviation
The National Museum of Naval Aviation is a military and aerospace museum located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The museum opened in 1962....
. Although configured to represent the HA(L)-3 Seawolves
Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three
Helicopter Attack Squadron THREE , nicknamed the “Seawolves” was an all volunteer Navy Squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War.-Beginnings of the Navy helicopter gunship:...
aircraft 301 of the Vietnam War, it is in fact Navy Bureau Number 157188 of HA(L)-5.
Another one of the HA(L)-5’s HH-1K is still flying as part of the Ventura County, California Sheriff and Fire Department’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Aerial unit. Although no longer painted in the original olive-drab, low-infrared paint, the former gunship can be seen in its new yellow and blue colors of Ventura County at Camarillo Airport, California.
HH-1K NW305 is on display at the China Lake Museum of Armament and Technology. This aircraft was restored for the museum by fomer HAL-5 Bluehawk enlisted and officers. NW305 is slated to be refurbished in the near future again by the crewmen who originally flew and maintained her during her career as a gunship.
External links
Official HA(L)-5 website:- http://bluehawksofhal-5.org/
Official HCS-5 website:
- http://hcs-5.org/index.php
Official HC-9 website:
- http://core-web-1.ucsd.edu/hc-9/
Official HA(L)-3 website
- http://www.seawolf.org/index.asp
National Naval Aviation Museum:
- http://navalaviationmuseum.org/