Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7), known as the “Dusty Dogs,” is a United States Navy helicopter squadron with origins dating back to April 2, 1956, when it was established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN (HS-7) at Naval Air Station Norfolk. Following a brief decommissioning in 1966, the squadron was re-established in December 1969 and continued its focus on anti-submarine warfare until its redesignation as HSC-7 on April 15, 2011, reflecting a broader multi-mission role.

Over the decades, the unit has operated a succession of rotary-wing platforms, including the Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, and Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk variants, before transitioning to its current aircraft, the Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk. Based at Naval Station Norfolk, HSC-7 conducts a wide range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, special operations support, and vertical replenishment. The squadron has participated in major military operations such as the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as humanitarian missions including disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina, and more recently has supported combat operations in the Red Sea.