The squadron was joined by family and friends, in addition to Sailors and veterans previously assigned to HSC-85 and beforehand deactivated squadrons from the neighborhood. The ceremony honored not solely HSC-85, but additionally its heritage from its forebears specializing in Naval Particular Warfare (NSW) and Fight Search and Rescue (CSAR), relationship again to the Vietnam Struggle with the Helicopter Assault Squadron (Gentle) (HAL) 3 Seawolves, established April 1, 1967.
HSC-85 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nick “Snowflake” Ryan addressed these in attendance.
“We collect at the moment to commemorate the numerous accomplishments of HSC-85,” stated Ryan earlier than pausing to acknowledge the Firehawks and their predecessors in attendance.
“We’re humbled to be joined at the moment by all of the members of the storied squadrons that paved the best way for the numerous accomplishments of the Firehawks and have shared in our success day-after-day,” stated Ryan. “Might I ask you to face as I converse, in order that we will acknowledge your service and sacrifice from you and your shipmates.”
The “Seawolves” of HAL-3, “Protectors” of Helicopter Fight Assist Squadron (HC) 9, “Purple Wolves” of HAL-4, “Bluehawks” of HAL-5, “Purple Wolves” of Helicopter Fight Assist Particular Squadron (HCS) 4 and HSC-84, and “Firehawks” of HCS-5 and HSC-85 stood in flip, being thanked and applauded by the group round them.
“Thanks all to your service and sacrifice to our nation,” stated Ryan.
Commander, Naval Air Power Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Brad “Gunny” Dunham then took the rostrum.
“Personally, once I consider the legacy of the Firehawks in naval aviation, the checklist is really limitless,” stated Dunham. “Your method to mission planning, innovation, and most significantly, ruthless execution, are only a few examples which might be crucial to success in fight.”
Dunham spoke to the squadron’s heritage, accomplishments and tradition, emphasizing the unimaginable worth of at the moment’s Firehawks’ information and expertise to naval aviation as they transfer on to new squadrons and instructions.
“Firehawks, we ask all of you to deliver your management, your coaching and your abilities with you all through the naval aviation enterprise as we transfer ahead to reinforce naval aviation throughout the fleet,” stated Dunham. “Your distinctive expertise brings indescribable worth. In our enterprise, we will’t afford to relearn the teachings of the previous. Thanks to your brave service and devoted preservation of our nationwide protection. Truthful winds and following seas, and we’ll see you within the fleet.”
Chief of the Navy Reserve (CNR) Vice Adm. John Mustin stood to talk to the legacy of the squadron and its predecessors from the Vietnam Struggle, to Operation Desert Storm and past.
“Over many years, the HSC-85 ‘Firehawks’ and their predecessors have tailored to the numerous calls for of our nationwide safety challenges,” stated Mustin. “There are few within the Navy with the huge legacy that you just Firehawks have. Your service, your achievements and your sacrifice are each exemplary and legendary.”
The ceremony’s visitor speaker, Government Assistant to CNR Capt. Quinton “QP” Packard, has an extended historical past with the squadron and its neighborhood, having served each as commanding officer of HSC-84 and commodore of the wing to which each HSC-84 and HSC-85 belonged, the Navy Reserve’s Maritime Assist Wing (MSW).
“So, right here we’re,” stated Packard. “Seven years, three months, 10 days in the past, I stood on an analogous stage in Norfolk, Virginia in entrance of a equally giant crowd, a few of whom are right here at the moment, and disestablished the Firehawk’s sister squadron, the ‘Purple Wolves’ of HSC-84. In my checklist of favourite days, that is perhaps the underside, and this one gained’t be far behind.”
Packard shared tales from his time serving with HSC-84 and as commodore of MSW, emphasizing that something he might say concerning the neighborhood would solely be a brief and easy model of a unprecedented historical past.
After Packard departed the rostrum, the ceremony ended bittersweetly. Firehawks and attendees reminisced proudly as they shared in refreshments, veterans of the deactivated squadrons gathered for group images, and a robust sense of neighborhood crammed the hangar.
Although the Firehawks are getting ready to shut their doorways in Fall of 2023, their legacy will reside on within the expertly-cultivated ability of their Sailors as they transfer on to new squadrons, in addition to within the reminiscence of each Firehawk, those that served earlier than them, and people who have labored alongside them.
In Honor of 56 Years of Devoted NSW and CSAR Assist (1967-2023)
Lively Element Squadrons:
“Seawolves” of HAL-3 (April 1967 – March 1972)
“Sea Devils” of HC-7 (September 1967 – June 1975)
Reserve Element Squadrons:
“Protectors” of HC-9 (August 1975 – July 1990)
“Purple Wolves” of HAL-4/HCS-4/HSC-84 (July 1976 to March 2016)
“Bluehawks” of HAL-5 (March 1977 – October 1989)
“Firehawks” of HCS-5 (October 1989 – December 2006)
“Firehawks” of HSC-85 (September 2010 – September 2023)
CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Power Reserve with a view to present enduring operational help and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in fight.
