Final flight HSC-85 "Firehawks"

On 30 June 2023, US Navy Reserve Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 Firehawks ('NW-xxx') conducted its final flight before its deactivation ceremony in the fall of 2023. The unit, based at naval Air Station North Island (CA) operated the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk since 2018.

The squadron was the last US Navy Reserve helicopter squadron dedicated to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The history of HSC-85 traces back to 1 April 1948, when Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE (HU-1) Fleet Angels was established. On 1 July 1970, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 85 Golden Gators was established and operated out of NAS Alameda (CA) with the Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King. In 1993 the squadron moved from NAS Alameda to NAS North Island.

In October 1994, HS-85 was re-designated as HC-85 and assimilated into HELWINGRES. HC-85 operated the utility UH-3H Sea King and remained a provider of search and rescue and logistics support to the Pacific Fleet.

In 2011 the primary mission of HSC-85 was assigned as dedicated special operations support at the request of US Special Operations Command. In 2016 the US Navy decided to disestablish HSC-85 and HSC-84, even though both were deployed at the time in support of US Pacific Command and US Central Command, respectively. Following Congressional involvement, HSC-85 remained while HSC-84 was disestablished, with the US Navy pledging to retain special operations and combat search and rescue mission experience in newly formed Tactical Support Units on both the east (TSULANT) and west (TSUPAC) coasts.

But now, the curtain has fallen on the last Reserve Sea Combat Squadron.

Photo by US Navy Chief Petty Officer Chelsea Milburn