HSC-21

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21
HSC-21 Blackjacks Insignia
Active1977 - present
Country United States of America
BranchUnited States Navy Seal United States Navy
RoleSearch and Rescue (SAR)
Logistical Support
Naval Special Warfare (NSW)
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW)
Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
Garrison/HQNaval Air Station North Island
Nickname(s)Blackjacks
Commanders
Current
commander
CDR Dave Ayotte (Sep 2018 – present)
Notable
commanders
  • CDR Anthony Saunders(AUG 2011-DEC 2012)
  • CDR Greg Leland (DEC 2012-OCT 2013)
  • CDR Jack Reardon (OCT 2013-Feb 2015)
Squadron insignia during the period of designation as HC-11

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21), nicknamed "Blackjacks", is an aviation unit of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station North Island. HSC-21 is made up of five expeditionary detachments that deploy aboard ships including Combat Logistics Force support ships, Hospital Ships and Amphibious Assault ships, among others. HSC-21 flies the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk helicopter.

History

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HSC-21 was established as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11) "Gunbearers" on 1 October 1977 at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California (United States), to provide logistics support for the units of the United States Pacific Fleet. In April 2005, HC-11 was redesignated HSC-21 "Blackjacks". During Operation Iraqi Freedom HSC-21 had shore base detachment as a part of the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment, Udari Army Airfield, Kuwait. This detachment closed in Fall 2012.

See also

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References

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