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HSC-84 story
Revitalizing Special Operations Support
Now the only squadron supporting an enduring requirement for SOF in Iraq, HSC-84 needed more manpower to maintain a continuous readiness. A solution was active component pilots, aircrew, and maintenance personnel were vetted and received orders to the command. Extensive training qualifications, travel, and training detachments were all handled by command. Strategic airlift of helicopters and personnel in and out of Iraq, as well as a graduate level Aircrew qualification program were all handled internally by the Command.
With all SOF air organized under one umbrella across the Middle East, HSC-84 now reported to Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC) based at Balad AB in central Iraq. With 50% of missions being Direct Action assaults, HSC-84 operated independently or in larger assaults with Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Enlisted leadership filled critical roles in senior positions of the JSOAC.
In 2009, USSOCOM Commander and CNO agreed to codify HSC-84’s relationship regarding SOF support. This initiated a 2010 MOA that delineated training and operational support requirements for HSC-84 support to SOF. More importantly, the agreement resulted in the re-establishment of a west coast sister squadron, HSC-85. In addition, critical staff billets at Naval Special Warfare Command and USSOCOM was now staffed by community officers.
HSC-84 sustained a forward combat detachment for over 7 years in Iraq. The active component augmented the reserves across the manpower spectrum. Managing a massive training and certification program, the Redwolves sustained zero casualties and a 98% mission readiness operating in the most demanding desert, night environment. The two combat mission mishaps resulted in both aircraft flown home and repaired.
With no Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), all US forces had to leave Iraq by the end of 2011.
The Redwolves moved from Balad to Taji in September of 2011, and then departed Iraq for Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in November. The detachment stood alert to support CSAR or SOF tasking supporting US withdrawal until March 2012 when they deployed to the UAE to start the next chapter.
In over 8 continuous years, the community flew 13,000+ hours while completing 2,341 missions resulting in 732 High Value Targets (HVT) captured/ killed with zero combat losses. Three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 15 Bronze Stars, 120 single action Air Medals with a V for Valor, and 1,437 Strike Flight Air Medals are just a sample of the accolades for the community.
Arriving to Sas Al Nakhl, UAE on March 2012, HSC-84 Det 10 was the rotary wing support piece of the CRE, embedded with West Coast Seal Team elements and various ODA Teams from the 3rd and 5th Army Special Forces Groups (SFG), and a Special Boat Team. The CRE could deploy by air or sea to respond to a crisis across the Middle East in a timely and effective manner. It was the SOF 911 emergency response team.
Det 10 deployed to Aqaba, Jordan in support of Eager Lion 2012. The 3-week exercise promoted cooperation and interoperability among 14 participating countries forces, building functional capacity, practicing crisis management, and enhancing readiness. Multiple joint, combined exchange training events occurred to support and enhance regional allied forces SOF capabilities.
Demonstrating the tremendous capability of the detachment, half of the detachment deployed to the USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) in August 2012 for 3 weeks supporting National Tasking.
In September 2012, with aircraft loaded on C-17s, the detachment stood alert for 7 days to support plans for evacuation of US Embassy in Yemen. In the spring of 2013, half of the detachment again embarked on the USS Ponce (AFSB-15) in support of SOF National Tasking.
In 2013, the Navy announced plans to decommission both HSC-84 and 85 due to budget sequestration and prioritization of the Navy. Thus began an effort that would involve the highest levels of command in the Navy and USSOCOM as well as Secretary of the Navy and other civilian agencies that manage the Department of Defense capabilities and requirements. Congress prevented the Navy from cutting both commands pending a review to include risk assessment and loss of capability.
In jeopardy of having to retain two squadrons, the Navy asked for a deal that would involve cutting HSC-84 while retaining HSC-85 in San Diego, CA to support SOF global requirements. HSC-84 re-deployed home from the Middle East in October 2015 to meet the de-commissioning timeline. When the Det One flew home, it marked the first time all personnel and aircraft have been home since March 2003. The ‘Redwolves’ of HSC-84 were officially disestablished on 31 March 2016 at Naval Station Norfolk, VA.