Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE [HC-1]

The Fleet Angels

Every Memorial Day I think of all those lives lost during the Vietnam War. I served in the Navy with the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC–1). The squadron’s mission was to rescue downed pilots from sea. My job was maintaining radio and navigation electronics. We had Kaman UH-2 Seasprite helicopters. Kaman was a business located in Connecticut that also built Ovation guitars. One might say they had a diversified product line. We were known as “Fleet Angels.

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven [HC-7]

The Sea Devils

The Navy decided to branch off a division of HC-1 with the broader and more dangerous mission of rescuing pilots not only at sea but in combat. HC-7 had Sikorsky HH-3A helicopters which were faster and more powerful. They also carried armament. I took this photo in 1970 on the flight deck of the USS Bon Homme Richard. Sailors loaded supplies aboard a HH-31 Sikorsky Sea-King. I don’t think Sikorsky was interested in guitars but both companies were founded in Connecticut.

Memorial Day

Take a moment this long weekend to remember the fallen and the sacrifices they made (and continue to make). I was on a ship during my deployment to Vietnam, a blue water sailor. Those Veterans that served in the “brown waters” or “in country” were exposed to Agent Orange. The war continues to take their lives. Every time I meet a Vietnam Vet I ask about their health. They usually tell me about a bout of some type of cancer. Now that we are in our seventies the problems keep appearing.