History

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE (HSC-25) was initially established

as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (HC-5) at NAS Agaña, Guam on

03 FEB 1984. As the "Providers," HC-5 flew the H-46D "Sea Knight," moving

to Andersen AFB in 1996 after NAS Agaña was closed. Redesignated as the

"Island Knights" on 21 APR 2005, HSC-25 provides logistic support for the

U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Navy's newest helicopter, the MH-60S "Knighthawk."

The squadron employs approximately fifty officers and three hundred enlisted

personnel to fly and maintain the fleet of 14 MH-60S.

Originally, HSC-25 was the first and only forward-deployed vertical replenishment

squadron in the Navy and was tasked with supporting Seventh Fleet units in the

Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf. To provide

this support, HSC-25 embarked two-aircraft detachments aboard Military Sealift

Command vessels which provided transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies

and ammunition to sustain U.S. forces worldwide. Since February 1984, HSC-25

has moved millions of tons of supplies and ammunition, as well as thousands of

personnel, providing much of the logistic power to the 7th and 5th Fleets.

Expanding their mission sets, the squadron was tasked in 1992 to provide a Search and Rescue (SAR) detachment aboard the USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3). In the fall of 2000, the SAR detachment was moved from the USS BELLEAU WOOD to the USS ESSEX (LHD 2). Today, HSC-25 Detachment Six supports Commander, Task Force 76 with a three aircraft detachment in Atsugi, Japan and deploy with USS AMERICA (LHA 6) Amphibious Readiness Group.

In the fall of 2005, HSC-25 stood up the 2515^th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (NAAD) providing essential Air Ambulance services for Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) in Camp Buering, Kuwait assuming the role of “DUSTOFF.” Later joined by partnering HSC squadrons, in the Spring of 2008 HSC-25 expanded NAAD coverage north by assuming medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) posture at Contingency Operating Base Basrah, Iraq. During its tenure, HSC-25 and the 2515^th NAAD was responsible for saving nearly 3,000 lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The aircraft of HSC-25 have operated as "angels of mercy" on numerous occasions, accomplishing emergency MEDEVAC and rescue missions while participating in Operations TRI-CRAB, Southern Watch, United Shield, Cobra Gold, Vigilant Sentinel, Tandem Thrust, Unified Assistance, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and LuHo-4.

Today, HSC-25 is the only Navy rotary squadron permanently stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, and has incorporated themselves as a proud member of "Team Andersen." They provide combat-ready armed helicopter detachments throughout the Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility and primary mission sets include Combat Logistics, Anti-Surface Warfare, Personnel Recovery, and Special Operations Forces Support.

In addition to providing combat-ready detachments down range, HSC-25 is committed to our responsibility to provide a 24-hour (overland/over-water) SAR/MEDEVAC alert, force protection, and disaster response support to the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Together, with local partnerships and emergency services, HSC-25 averages more than 60 life-saving actions annually in support of the DOD and civilian populations. HSC-25 also conducts Airborne Firefighting utilizing externally carried Bambi buckets, Vertical Onboard Delivery, Drone and Torpedo recovery, Special Operations airborne support, and Fleet Logistics for all military activities in Guam.

For 40 years, the Island Knights have remained the United States Navy’s premier rotary wing squadron represented by the best Sailors and officer’s our nation has to offer. Island Knights, Ready to FIGHT!

HSC-24 Squadron Insignia

HSC25 Squadron Insignia

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE was established on 21 April 2005 upon the disestablishment of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FIVE (HC-5). Originally commissioned on 03 February 1984, HC-5 developed a reputation for exceptional service and support to Fifth and Seventh Fleets and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The HSC-25 insignia was developed to acknowledge our honorable legacy and embrace our exciting future.

The trident held by the eagle symbolizes the emphasis being placed on the combat capabilities of the helicopter in the maritime environment as well as pays homage to our naval heritage. The loads hanging from the trident represent our past, present, and future mission of VERTREP. The five stars remain as a legacy to HC-5, and the globe is arranged to represent our Area of Operation and our service to the Pacific Fleet. the black background represents the expanding night capabilities of our pilots and aircraft.