HOME | US Navy - ships | US Navy - air units | USMC - air units | International Navies | Weapon Systems | Special Reports

 
 

US Navy - Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HELSEACOMBATRON 21)

HSC-21 'Blackjacks'

 

hsc-21 blackjacks insignia crest patch helicopter sea combat squadron us navy
hsc-21 blackjacks helicopter sea combat squadron mh-60s seahawk us navy
 
STATUS:   established: April 1, 2005 (redesignated from HC-11)
Homebase: NAS North Island, San Diego, California
EXPEDITIONARY / 5 detachments
ACTIVE UNIT
AIRCRAFT:   Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk)
DEPLOYMENTS:   Detachments of HSC-21 were deployed aboard:
USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS America (LHA 6), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and various US Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships
 

images


hsc-21 blackjacks mh-60s seahawk agm-114 hellfire missile door gunner special color
MH-60S Seahawk (HSC-21) with door-gunner and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles loaded


October 2016


aboard USS Somerset (LPD 25) - September 2016


August 2016


August 2016


August 2016


August 2016

mh-60s seahawk hsc-21 blacljacks usns mercy t-ah 19
aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) - June 2016


aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) - June 2016


aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) - June 2016


May 2016


May 2016


May 2016


November 2015

helicopter sea combat squadron hsc-21 blackjacks mh-60s seahawk us navy
October 2015

hsc-21 blackjacks mh-60s seahawk
September 2015


aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) - July 2015


Roxas City, Philippines - July 2015


aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) - June 2015


June 2015


May 2015


March 2015


aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) - March 2015


December 2014


aboard USS America (LHA 6) - September 2014


aboard USS America (LHA 6) - September 2014


September 2014


aboard USS America (LHA 6) - August 2014

hsc-21 blackjacks uss america lha-6
aboard USS America (LHA 6) - July 2014


July 2014


July 2014


June 2014


September 2013

hsc-21 blackjacks mh-60s seahawk cockpit view
September 2013


August 2013


August 2013


July 2013


July 2013


January 2013


aboard USS Maskin Island (LHD 8) - October 2012


May 2012


March 2012


January 2012


September 2011


April 2011


February 2011


February 2011


October 2009


August 2009


July 2009


June 2009


June 2009


June 2009


June 2009


April 2009


November 2008


November 2008


November 2008


November 2008


November 2008


September 2008


September 2008


August 2008


August 2008


August 2008


August 2008


July 2008


July 2008


June 2008


June 2008


June 2008


aboard USNS Mercy - May 2008


Persian Gulf - April 2008


aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1) - February 2008


February 2008


January 2008


January 2008


December 2007


September 2007


September 2007


August 2007


August 2007


July 2007


June 2006


May 2006


April 2006


April 2006


April 2006


April 2006


March 2006


February 2006


February 2006


February 2006


February 2006


January 2006


November 2005


October 2005


September 2005


August 2005


July 2005


July 2005


July 2005


July 2005


July 2005


July 2005


July 2005


June 2005


Camp Pendleton, California - May 2005


Camp Pendleton, California - May 2005


April 2005




 
 
History:

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE, formerly the “Gunbearers” of HC-11, has been the cornerstone for west coast fleet logistics support since the original squadron was established on 01 October 1977 at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California. In April 2005, the “Gunbearers” of HC-11 were redesignated as the “Blackjacks” of HSC-21, continuing a tradition of excellence to support the Navy’s future helicopter fleet organization. The primary missions of HSC-21 are Search and Rescue, Logistical Support, Naval Special Warfare and VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment) at sea to forward deployed battle groups in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and to fleet units in the west coast operating area. Ultimately, the squadron will perform specific missions such as Anti-Surface Ship Warfare, Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures, and multiple maritime defense and force protection missions in support of Strike Warfare to Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups operating in the THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH FLEETS. To meet these commitments, the squadron maintains 10 MH-60S helicopters. HSC-21 employs over 40 officers and approximately 250 enlisted personnel.

Unlike most squadrons, which deploy as a unit, HSC-21 is made up of five expeditionary detachments. They deploy aboard Fast Combat Support ships (T-AOEs) and Amphibious Assault ships (LHAs and LHDs). These detachments are generally comprised of two MH-60 helicopters, six pilots, one maintenance officer, six enlisted aircrew personnel, and 18 to 24 maintenance personnel. They constitute a cohesive team able to meet every challenge in the rapidly changing, high tempo dynamics of logistics and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

VERTREP operations involve the replenishment of ships at sea using helicopters. It calls for flexibility, skill, and a keen sense of situational awareness. Due to the demands of the fleet, missions are carried out night or day, often in adverse weather conditions. These operations have become a critical link in sustaining strike group mission readiness. The incorporation of the helicopter for supply efforts has greatly reduced the alongside time required for conventional replenishment by highline, thereby increasing maneuverability of the fleet.

HSC-21 continues to provide fully qualified Naval Special Warfare crews for each detachment. This includes capabilities for night vision device cast and recoveries, k-duck insertions, aerial gunnery, and Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS).

In addition to the primary missions, HSC-21 provides a multitude of other essential services to the fleet, medical evacuations, personnel transfers and special operations support, just to name a few. The parent command, or homeguard, diligently supports Southern California fleet operations and training requirements ashore and in the waters off Southern California.

With the decommissioning of the UH-3H and CH-46D in May and June 2004, respectively, the Blackjacks’ only airframe is the Sikorsky MH-60S “Knighthawk.” The MH-60S has a lift capability of three tons, a cabin that can accommodate 12 passengers, and a maximum airspeed of 180 knots. Boasting a state of the art avionics suite, the “Knighthawk” is the Navy’s most technologically advanced helicopter.

From their inception, the “Blackjacks” of HSC-21 have maintained an impressive record. Operations around the globe and around the clock over the last 28 years have yielded staggering statistics for this squadron including the movement of a quarter million personnel and over 300 million pounds of cargo while maintaining an award winning safety record of over 100,000 Class A mishap free flight hours. The squadron’s performance directly enhances the operational readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Naval Forces from the west coast to the Indian Ocean or wherever needed, without a permission slip.
 
 
 

patches

hsc-21 blackjacks patch insignia crest badge helicopter sea combat squadron us navy mh-60s seahawk
 
| seaforces.org | US Navy Air Units start page |