Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1), also known as "Pacific Fleet Angels," was established by the United States Navy on April 1, 1948. It was the Navy’s first helicopter squadron, pioneering the operational use of helicopters for search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and fleet logistics missions. HC-1 participated in numerous critical operations, including support during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and played a vital role in the recovery of astronauts from space missions. The squadron was disestablished on April 29, 1994, after nearly five decades of distinguished service.
