Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Three

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23), known as the "Wildcards," is a prominent expeditionary squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. Established on September 29, 2006, the squadron serves as a versatile multi-mission unit for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, operating both the manned MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and the unmanned MQ-8B/C Fire Scout. As pioneers in manned-unmanned teaming, they were the first squadron to deploy a composite detachment of these two aircraft types aboard an Independence-class littoral combat ship, creating a "hunter-killer" team that significantly expands the Navy's lethal range while keeping aircrews safer.

The Wildcards operate under the motto "Wildcards Never Fold," reflecting a commitment to high operational standards, authenticity, and resilience. Their diverse mission set includes anti-surface warfare, search and rescue (SAR), special operations support, humanitarian relief, and logistical support such as vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Beyond standard combat and logistics, HSC-23 has played a critical role in high-profile naval and space operations, including supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission by assisting in the recovery of astronauts and spacecraft following splashdown.