HSC-5

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Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5) (previously Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5)), also known as the Nightdippers, is a

History

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Five was established at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, on 3 January 1956 flying the Sikorsky HSS-1N Seabat. Its primary mission was denying the enemy effective use of submarines. Assigned to Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group Fifty-Four in 1959, HS-5 moved to NAS Quonset Point, RI where the squadron completed several ASW deployments and participated in two Mercury spacecraft recoveries including America’s first astronaut, CDR Allen B. Shepard.

1960s

In 1962 the squadron's aircraft were re-designated to

1970s

In 1978, HS-5 and

In 1986, an extended turnaround-training involved operations on four aircraft carriers: USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Subsequently, An extensive work-up cycle prepared HS-5 and Eisenhower for a 1988 Mediterranean deployment. With a single helicopter embarked in USS Peterson (DD 969), the community had its first-ever six-month detachment of a single SH-3H for ASW. The venerable "Sea King" again proved its mettle during numerous multi-national exercises and sensitive Black Sea operations. Well-recognized for its outstanding performance in 1988, the squadron received its fourth Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy, sixth CNO Safely Award, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.^{[citation needed]}

1990s

Following a successful turnaround cycle highlighted by two successive HSWING ONE Maintenance Trophies, HS-5 deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in March 1990, once again aboard Eisenhower. Referred to as the "Centennial Cruise" in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of President

In July 1992, HS-5 and CVW-7 were assigned to USS George Washington (CVN-73) and transited through the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf twice, first to participate in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and again to counter Iraqi aggression near the Kuwaiti border in Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR. During the deployment, HS-5 surpassed 14 years and 44,000 hours of mishap-free flying.

The Nightdippers marked the end of an era when the last of their SH-3H Sea King helicopters was transferred from

21st Century

In 2002 HS-5 Joined the JFKBATGRU Joint Task Group 02-1 and CVW-7 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from February 2002 to August 2002. HS-5’s prowess and hard work was again rewarded as the year culminated with the squadron again being awarded both the Thach award as well as the Battle "E" for 2002. Following a well deserved, but short rest, the Nightdippers were back at it again in 2003 to prepare for an upcoming 2004 cruise. In August 2004, having switched carriers to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, CVW-7 and the Nightdippers went to Fallon, NV for a combined Airwing Detachment to kick-off the Interdeployment Readiness Cycle. Between then and December The NIGHTDIPPERS, with GW Strike Group, completed two at sea periods to wrap up the IDRC. After a Holiday break it was off to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. With new missions accomplished, a 99% sortie completion rate, over 70 Warfare Qualifiers, and establishing, once again, the Nightdippers as the premier helicopter squadron in the Navy it could be said that everyone did their parts plus a little more. Once back home the Nightdippers did not let up with the "press" by completing a Surge Sustainment at sea period and two Carrier Qualifications for Training Command and Fleet Replacement Squadrons. All the while maintaining a high level of combat readiness ‘til the end of the Surge Cycle in December 2004.

In 2005, HS-5 provided two aircraft and 37 personnel to participate in the massive

On 24 January 2014, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Five (HS-5) completed its transition to the MH-60S and was re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Five (HSC-5) during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.[2]

HSC-5 is currently attached to Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) and deploys onboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)

In January 2023, while the Bush carrier strike group was in the Mediterranean Sea, HSC-5 conducted training with the Albanian Armed Forces, using a range at Bizë in central Albania.^[3]

Squadron Awards

Between 1992 and 2013, HS-5 received the Admiral Thach Award five times and the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E" in 1992, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2005-2010 and 2013. They also received the Isbell Trophy for ASW Excellence in 2006, 2011, and 2012.

See also

• History of the United States Navy
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 5 (United States Navy).

• HS-5 Official Website