Command History

 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the "Tridents," traces its origins to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 3, established on June 18, 1952, at Naval Air Facility Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The squadron initially operated the Piasecki UH-25B helicopter, later transitioning to the Sikorsky H-19 and SH-34. As the first Atlantic Fleet squadron to fly the gas-turbine-powered SH-3A Sea King, HS-3 subsequently upgraded to the SH-3D and the SH-3H, the latter equipped with the Tactical Navigation (TACNAV) system. In 1982, HS-3 became the first squadron to deploy with the advanced AQS-13E Sonar Data Computer.

Throughout the 1960s, HS-3 deployed aboard USS Valley Forge (CVS 45) and USS Intrepid (CVS 11). In 1962, while embarked on USS Wasp (CVS 18), the squadron participated in the naval blockade of Cuba. HS-3 also played a vital role in America’s space program, beginning on May 24, 1962, when its commanding officer, Cmdr. J. M. Wondergem, recovered Lt. Cmdr. M. Scott Carpenter from his Aurora 7 spacecraft. The squadron subsequently provided recovery and transport for astronauts Grissom, Young, Collins, Gordon, Conrad, McDivitt, Scott, and Schweickart.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, deployments continued aboard USS Randolph (CVS 15) and USS Forrestal (CVA 59). During this period, the squadron provided critical humanitarian aid to flood victims in Tunisia, rescuing or relocating 630 people and transporting over 43,000 pounds of supplies. This effort earned the squadron the Meritorious Unit Commendation. HS-3 was awarded the Battle "E" for efficiency in 1973 and 1978 and the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for superior anti-submarine warfare (ASW) performance in 1974 and 1978.

The squadron's excellence was further recognized in the 1980s with two Navy Unit Commendations for its 1985-86 deployment to the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60). This period was marked by unprecedented success, earning HS-3 three consecutive Battle "E" awards (1985–1987) and back-to-back Isbell Trophies (1986–1987).

In 1990, HS-3 deployed aboard USS Saratoga to the Red Sea to enforce United Nations sanctions against Iraq during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The squadron conducted a Helicopter Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (HVBSS) mission, deploying a special forces team to secure a hostile merchant vessel. The squadron's superb combat support during the campaign earned it another Navy Unit Commendation. Upon returning in 1991, HS-3 became the first Atlantic squadron to transition to the SH-60F Seahawk.

The squadron's 1995 Mediterranean deployment preparations were interrupted by a call to support Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, where HS-3 provided the sole naval maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and special operations support. Just one week later, the squadron deployed to support Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia-Herzegovina, where it flew the first CSAR mission by an HS squadron since the Vietnam War in an effort to recover the crew of a downed French Mirage fighter.

Deploying aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in March 1999, HS-3 immediately supported combat operations during Operation Noble Anvil in Kosovo. Following a ceasefire, the carrier transited to the Arabian Gulf to enforce no-fly zones over Southern Iraq. In August 1999, the squadron conducted a successful HVBSS operation, seizing a freighter carrying $3.5 million in illicit Iraqi cargo. The deployment concluded with the 1999 Battle "E" award. In 2001, aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), HS-3 supported the opening strikes of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, conducting sustained CSAR, ASW, and logistics missions. The squadron deployed again in 2003 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2008, after a historic visit to Cape Town, South Africa—the first by a U.S. carrier in over 40 years—HS-3 deployed to the Arabian Sea. The squadron flew a wide range of missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and detached three HH-60H aircraft to support the counter-piracy operations of Combined Task Force 151 in the Gulf of Aden, which resulted in the apprehension of 16 suspected pirates. The squadron's performance in 2008 was recognized with the Commander, Naval Air Forces Battle "E," the Safety "S," and the Isbell Trophy.

On June 1, 2009, the squadron was officially redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 and relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, transitioning to the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. The squadron immediately began supporting carrier qualifications for the new Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). In January 2010, HSC-9 deployed to support Operation Unified Response, providing extensive humanitarian aid following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Operating from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Bataan (LHD 5), the squadron delivered over 280,000 pounds of relief supplies and performed 240 medical evacuations.

The 2010s marked a period of significant tactical development. In 2013, HSC-9 was central to the fleet introduction of the 2.75" unguided rocket system, becoming the first Navy helicopter squadron since the Vietnam War to employ rockets and a 20mm cannon simultaneously. Later that year, during Air Wing Fallon, HSC-9 set a new standard for close air support by integrating live-fire of rockets, 20mm cannons, and HELLFIRE missiles with fixed-wing aircraft.

Subsequent deployments aboard USS George H.W. Bush in 2014 and 2017 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve saw the integration of the M197 20mm Gatling gun and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). The squadron also supported the first U.S. carrier visit to Israel in nearly two decades and conducted joint CSAR training with the British Royal Marines. These efforts earned HSC-9 the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 "Golden Wrench" award and another Battle "E." Throughout the late 2010s, HSC-9 continued to lead, supporting exercises such as Neptune Guardian and Jaded Thunder, providing disaster relief in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, and contributing to Fleet Week New York.

Beginning in 2021, HSC-9 became integrally involved in the workup and operational testing of the first-in-class carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and surpassed 70,000 Class-A mishap-free flight hours. The squadron deployed with the Ford and CVW-8 for its initial employment in 2022 and its maiden deployment in 2023. In 2025, HSC-9 embarked on a historic 11-month deployment that spanned the U.S. 6th, 4th, and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility, supporting global operations.

Since its founding in 1952, HSC-9 has consistently demonstrated a legacy of excellence, readiness, and adaptability. The Tridents stand ready to operate anywhere in the world, executing their diverse missions in support of the national defense of the United States.