One Of Two Special Operations Helicopter Squadrons To Be Shuttered In Money-Saving Effort

The U.S. Navy will close down one of its two special operations helicopter squadrons in an effort to save money while retaining the unit's special-operations expertise.

Norfolk-based Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84 will be closed in March, according to a report from The Navy Times. The squadron, along with HSC-85, has been involved in secret missions in war zones with older aircraft for a decade. The active duty and reserve air crews fly HH-60H Rescue Hawk helos, and have won numerous citations and medals during their service.

While the HSC-84 "Red Wolves" will be decommissioned, the HSC-85 "Firehawks", based in San Diego, will be retained.  Navy spokeswoman Lt. j.g. Kara Yingling told Navy Times the Navy plans to stand up a pair of tactical support units on the east and west coasts to assist fleet squadrons.

The fate of the two squadrons has reportedly be in limbo for several years, but have been saved through several budget cycles by their supporters both in the DoD and on Capitol Hill.

Initially, both squadrons had been slated for decommissioning, but the west coast-based squadron managed to survive the budget axe while preparing for shutdown.

HAC-84's aircraft will reportedly be transferred to the west coast, or be flown to the Navy's boneyard in Arizona.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.navy.mil