HAL-3 Squadron Patches

History of HAL-3 Seawolves

The men of HC-1’s four Vietnam based detachments became the Seawolves of Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, HA(L)-3, on 1 April 1967, when the squadron was officially commissioned at Vung Tau. HC-1 DETs 29, 27, 25 and 21 became HA(L)-3 DETs 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Was decommissioned in March 1972 at Binh Thuy, RVN after flying over 120,000 Combat Missions and has the Distinction of being the only such designated Navy Squadron to every fly in combat and is the most decorated Navy Squadron in History.

Helicopters have been a vital part our US Naval forces. With the introduction of helicopters the 101st Airborne division started deploying into battle mainly from helicopters as opposed to airplanes. An the helicopter patches are a representation of HA(L)-3 squadron missions and deployments.