The "Red Lions" of HS-15 are based out of NAS Jacksonville, FL and fly the Sikorsky SH-60F and the HH-60H (the strike rescue version). They were established in October 1971 and were part of CVW-6 onboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59) until late 1991. After the "Forest Fire" transitioned to becoming the Navy's training carrier, they switched to the Enterprise, then in 1997, stayed with CVW-17 as they "hopped flight decks" to the GW.

The HS-17 "Neptune's Raiders" were on the USS Coral Sea Med cruise in 87-88, as part of CVW-13 Guardians. The Raider's call sign was "Valkyrie", because the original CO, CDR Mike Charley, liked the helo assault scene from "Apocalypse Now". While in Cannes, France, the raiders held a party attended by COM 6th Fleet, Jane Pauley, and other notables. Ms Pauley was then a guest of the USS Coral Sea, due to filming of one day of the "Today Show" from the deck of the USS Coral Sea. In the summer of1987, HS-17 won the HS (Atlantic) ASW "Rodeo" competition, besting all other non-embarked Atlantic HS squadrons in the annual ASW competition. The 'Neptune's Raiders' of HS-17 were disestablished on 02 July 91.

This is the color version of the squadron patch for the HS-75 'Emerald Knights' that operate the SH-3H out of NAS North Island, CA. They are the Naval Air Reserve component of the helicopter community. They were activated during Desert Storm and their 'dets' rescued several USAF crew members from the only B-52 loss during the war.

This is a brass (looking) Christmas ornament for the H-3 Sea King with the dates of 1961-2006 depicted along the bottom. We only received a few of these from the squadron.

This is the aircraft patch for the Navy's version of the UH-3H Sea King. It is one of the workhorses of the Navy being deployed on several of the carriers.

This is the aircraft patch for the Navy's H-3 Sea King. It pokes fun at the age and condition of the aircraft, and how the Navy has had to do more with less. Reminds one of Hank Caruso drawings........

The Sikorsky MH-53 is a variant of the CH-53 except for a few particulars such as fuels and weights. It combines the power of the 3-engined CH-53E with the minesweeping capabilities of the RH-53D and enables it to drag heavier minehunting sleds through rougher seas. It also has upgraded adverse weather avionics allowing it to operate in the worst of conditions. This is the color version of the "Sea Dragon" MH-53E Helicopter patch.

The Sikorsky MH-53 is a variant of the CH-53 except for a few particulars such as fuels and weights. It combines the power of the 3-engined CH-53E with the minesweeping capabilities of the RH-53D and enables it to drag heavier minehunting sleds through rougher seas. It also has upgraded adverse weather avionics allowing it to operate in the worst of conditions. This is the subdued version of the "Sea Dragon" MH-53E Helicopter patch.

This patch represents the Fleet Introduction Team (F.I.T.) for the Sikorsky MH-53E Super Stallion. They were the "Super Team" that transitioned squadrons from their previous helicopters to the new vehicle they were to receive. Without the transition teams, more aircrew would have been lost to error. These teams were essential to smooth operations.

This is the "Black Knights" Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) patch. It is in the subdued green/night colors and states "To Hell and Back" along the bottom. This was created for their role in rescue operations.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the CH-46 Sea Knight. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the CH-47 Chinook. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the CH-53 Sea Stallion. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the OH-6 CAYUSE. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the SH-60 Seahawk. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the "Made in the Good Old USA" helo patch for the UH-60 Blackhawk. It also says "Flying for Freedom" on the bottom.

This is the class patch for Class 06-05 graduates of the US Army's Helicopter training class located at Fort Rucker, AL. They also have "some" USAF pilots training there also. I think this is my younger brother's class.........