Page 343 · Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2)

S-2 Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO (HS-2), established in March 1952 as the first West Coast Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Squadron, flies the Sikorsky built SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk Helicopters. The Squadron is composed of 27 officers and 173 enlisted men. Known as the “Golden Falcons”, HS-2 is an integral member of the Carrier Air Wing TWO and is homeported at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA. As the first Squadron to deploy with the Sikorsky SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters, HS-2 provides inner zone anti-submarine protection, surface surveillance, counter targeting, logistics, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) capability in support of the Carrier Battle Group. The SH-60F is equipped with a dipping sonar and carries a variety of sonobouys. In addition to internal stores, the SH-60 had three external pylons to carry up to two 120 gallon tanks for extended on station time and three MK 46 or MK 50 torpedoes. With the capability to process accoustical information onboard or data link information between platforms, the SH-60F is capable of detecting, classifying, tracking and destroying enemy submarines. The addition of two HH-60H helicopters to the normal HS-2 compliment of four SH-60F aircraft has provided HS-2 with the capability to conduct the additional mission of Combat Search and ~ Rescue. Flying with the yse of Night Vision Goggles (NVG), HS-2 has the capability to rescue or at night overland behind enemy lines. Vertical replenishment is another mission me fe th types ‘of aircraft when equipped with a cargo hook. Loads of upto. 6,000 pounds may be transferred to designated shore or ship units. The“Sea Hawk” helicopters are.an extremely valuable asset to the Carrier Battle Group both i in een the enemy submarine-threat and in SH-60 is vee oad to be one of the ‘versatility will . MU ay nc ‘te a Cnn rg ee aa ce ed