HS-7

• Establishment: HS-7, also known as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN, was originally established in 1956, making it one of the oldest anti-submarine helicopter squadrons in the U.S. Navy. • Nickname: The squadron is famously known as the "Dusty Dogs," a moniker adopted in the 1960s and proudly displayed on their aircraft and insignia. • First Carrier Operations: HS-7 was one of the first squadrons to operate the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopter, pioneering carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics. • Apollo Recovery Missions: HS-7 participated in the recovery operations for NASA’s Apollo missions, notably assisting in the retrieval of astronauts and spacecraft from the ocean. • Multiple Homeports: Over its history, HS-7 has been based at several locations, including NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, before moving to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. • Combat Deployments: The squadron has seen action in multiple conflicts, including operations during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. • Transition to HSC-7: In 2009, HS-7 was redesignated as HSC-7 (Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN) and transitioned to the MH-60S Seahawk, expanding its mission beyond ASW. • Rescue Operations: HS-7 has a distinguished record of life-saving search and rescue (SAR) missions, both in combat and peacetime, earning numerous awards for valor and excellence. • Carrier Air Wing Attachments: The "Dusty Dogs" have been assigned to several Carrier Air Wings, including CVW-3 and CVW-8, serving aboard famous aircraft carriers like USS John F. Kennedy and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. • Unit Awards: Throughout its history, HS-7/HSC-7 has earned multiple Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and Battle "E" awards, reflecting its reputation for operational excellence.