On 1 April 1948, the helicopter development squadron formed on 1 July 1946 as VX-3 was disestablished at NAS Lakehurst, NJ. Simultaneously, the Navy commissioned its first two operational helicopter squadrons in its place. Both squadrons called themselves the “Fleet Angels” and were comprised largely of helicopters, officers, and men of the former VX-3 squadron. The ceremony was conducted adjacent to the historic Hangar 1 at NAS Lakehurst and was commemorated by the first mass formation flight of helicopters in history.
HU-2, commanded by Captain Clayton Marcy (helicopter pilot #7), remained at NAS Lakehurst to train Navy and Marine Corps helicopter pilots and ground personnel as well as fulfill operational commitments to the fleet. Increased demand for helicopter pilots during the Korean War necessitated a dedicated training squadron. HTU-1 was established at Ellyson Field at Pensacola, FL on December 3, 1950 from elements of HU-2. This squadron became HT-8 on July 1, 1960, making them one of the two oldest helicopter squadrons in the Navy.
Also on July 1, 1960, HU-2 was split to form HU-4. In time an HU-4 detachment at Norfolk grew large enough to become it’s own squadron and became HC-6. HC-6 was renamed HC-26 in 2005 and is still very much an active duty squadron on North Island today.
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