History Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN EIGHT (HSM-78) was established on 01 March 2012 at NAS North Island, CA. HSM-78 is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) and is attached to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The Blue Hawk's name dates back to the 1960's and 1970's when Helicopter Attack Light (HAL) squadrons served honorably during the Vietnam Conflict. As the newest Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron, the men and women of HSM-78 are eager to grow the legend and continue the proud heritage of those that went before us. The Blue Hawks insignia is broken down so that the hawk represents the preeminent bird of prey and the all weather, day/night, fierce lethality HSM-78 and the MH-60R brings to Naval warfare. The blue, black, and white colors are a link to the Navy core values, passion and history which will be the basis of all Blue Hawk traditions. The Blue Hawks and the great men and women that wear the insignia are proud, honored and ready to set the standard within the HSM community and Naval Aviation.