Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) is part of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (HSCWINGPAC), it provides an armed helicopter capability for US SEVENTH and FIFTH FLEETS as well as detachments to various commands covering a diverse mission set. Flying the MH-60S, HSC-21 supports
permanently assigned detachments performing logistics, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance for US SEVENTH FLEET. In addition, approximately half of all deployed
Black Jacks are assigned to the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment in Camp
Buhring, Kuwait, for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
HSC-21 maintains a search and rescue and medical evacuation alert posture. Drawn from a variety cultures and backgrounds, the sailors of HSC-21 form the
Black Jacks, making this squadron the premier helicopter squadron in the Navy as well as the recipient of the HSC Battle “E” for 2008.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Aircraft Characteristics
HSC-21 operates the MH-60S helicopter; replacing the H-46 helicopters which were retired in 2003. The newest helicopter in the fleet and the only one with an all glass cockpit, the “Knighthawk” is a multi-mission platform with a medium lift capability of 12 passengers plus four crew and a maximum external lift capability of over 6,000 lbs. The MH-60S possesses the latest state-of-the-art night vision goggle compatible cockpit and provides an all weather mission capability platform.
