Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Three

HSC-23 · Wildcards

Established 2006

History C/N Tracking

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.

HSC-23 Seahawk training with NASA

News

US Navy and NASA Complete Historic Artemis II Recovery Operations

Apr 11, 2026 · Artemis II crew safely recovered after Pacific splashdown as USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) leads U.S. Navy–NASA operation.
US Navy Retrieves Artemis I Orion Spacecraft

Dec 13, 2022 · US Navy units including USS Portland (LPD 27), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HSC-23) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit EODESU-1 retrieved NASA Artemis I spacecraft Orion after splashdown off the
MQ-8C Fire Scout First Deployment to Indo-Pacific

May 24, 2022 · The Bell / Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout drone helicopter is in their first deployment to the Indo-Pacific with US Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HSC-23 aboard littoral ship USS Jackson (LCS-6)
MQ-8C Completes Integrated Training on Littoral Ships

Apr 30, 2022 · US Navy’s newest drone helicopter, the Bell/Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout, completed operational testing and training aboard littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) and USS Montgomery (LCS 8)
Marines and Navy in Manned-Unmanned Teaming

Mar 16, 2022 · Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron VMX-1 and US Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HSC-23 flew together AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters with MQ-8C drone at NAF El Centro, California
The Helicopters of the US Navy LCS Ships

Jul 17, 2020 · The US Navy uses combination of MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and MQ-8B Fire Scout drones aboard the littoral combat ship (LCS) vessels. The MH-60S provides logistics, SAR and anti-surface warfare capabilities while the MQ-8B increases situational awar