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HELICOPTER ATTACK LIGHT SQUADRON 3
HAL-3 did not have a long history or tradition going back to WWII or Korea. It was formed and disbanded in the field. It is remembered by the men who served in it and by those they supported. There may never be a traditional memorial to these men other than the families and children of the soldiers and sailors who owe their lives to their courage and devotion.
The Navys only Helicopter Attack Light Squadron 3 worked in concert with the Navys brown water force of PBR's (Patrol Boats River). Assembled from a transfer of UH1-B Huey helicopters from the Army, the Huey was manned by a crew of 4 and armed with 4 M-60 machine guns and 14 2.75 inch rockets in fixed positions. The door gunner and crew chief had flexible M-60's and hand held M-79 grenade launchers to assist in supression of fire from the ground as the speed of a fully laden Huey was about 90 knots. This made them vunerable to fire as they flew in teams in support of their counterparts on the narrow rivers and canals of South Vietnams Mekong Delta.
An unknown Seawolf gunner searching for targets while in the distance a PBR burns after being hit.
They were the only such squadron in Navy history, from 1966 untill 1972, the most decorated squadron in Naval History, possibly all services.
All volunteer, the only squadron since since Korea authorized to wear the Combat Aircrew Wings. In November 2001 they will have 25 enlisted Gunners inducted into the Prestigious Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor. Below are the beginnings of a few profiles.
Outside of their families and often unknown to even them, few people would know anything about these veterans pasts. They are the people we see on the street, our neighbors and co-workers. Like their WWII and Korean counterparts we casually say or nod hello as we pass them on the streets and think they are just like most of us. In fact they are very different. For a period of time they lead extraordinary lives, serving their country and fighting honorably in a war their own government and many of their people did not support. Unlike their WWII counterparts that they looked up to and hoped to emulate as they went off to war, there were no parades for them, no returning units marching down hometown streets with a welcome home from the girls. They came home alone , often to cat calls and eggs. Respect and recognition richly deserved has been a long time in coming.
Jim Doran ... SEALORDS
William B. Rutledge Det/8 HAL-3
Fred Stark Det/1 HAL-3
Norman B. Stayton Det/8 HAL-3
HISTORY OF HELICOPTER ATTACK (LIGHT) SQUADRON THREE
" SEAWOLVES"
In early 1966 the Army who had pioneered Helicopter Gunship tactics were flying in support of Naval Operations from Navy ships covering the initial Brown Water Riverine forces. It was soon discovered that there were difficulties, for the Army crews did not have the needed experience to support the missions. It was felt that Naval Aviators trained in Gunship operations would more readily adapt to rigors of the mission requirements, in that the Riverine forces operated around the clock and in all weather conditions. The Army Gunships were not equipped for nor their Pilots trained for all weather operations and would not accept missions at night or during marginal weather conditions which were a neccessity. A dedicated Navy air unit was needed to cover the River operations , therefore the Seawolves were established, first from 4 detachments from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One in July 1966. With one month training with The Army, the Navy Pilots and Enlisted Gunners from HC1 relieved the Army and assumed the mission duties and opened a new chapter in Naval Aviation.
Using old under powered Army UH1Bs and reconfigured with night flying capabilities, HC1 distinguished themselves in combat in many large battles. In April 1967 HA(L)3 was commissioned from the four HC1 detachments which became HA(L)3 detachments 1, 2, 3 ,4.. For better coverage as more River Units were added the Seawolves evolved into nine detachments flying missions in Three and Four Corps. The Seawolves Mission expanded to cover not only the river forces, but also the Navy SEALS, Army, Marines, and all other friendly forces in contact with the VC/NVA .
Each detachment consisted of Two UH1B Gunships, except Det 2 which at times had four gunships and double crews . The other eight dets had 8 Pilots and 8 Gunners flying alternating days to provide 24 hour coverage. The Gunships were heavily armed (an understatement) each at first basicly configured with two external seven shot rocket pods, and 4 external flex M 60 machine guns fired by the Pilot and Copilot. The Door Gunners fired stripped down free M 60 machine guns fired in an unusual way resting on the arm. Many Gunners experminted with twin M60 and twin 30 cal machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and other weapons .Also carried aboard were M 16 rifles, various grenades, hand or weapon launched, Personal weapons of choice usually a 38 or 45. smokes, flares and anything else that could be used to decimate the enemy. Later the 4 external flex guns were replaced with two 6 barreled Miniguns capable of firing 4,000 rounds per minute each. Reconfigurged again a door mounted 50 Caliber was added to the Door gunners arsonal and later one of the external Mini Guns was removed and door mounted for the Gunners for more accuracy and ease of repair if it went down.
HA(L) 3 also had support aircraft UHIL and HH1K Helicopters nick named SEALORDS that were our only aircraft from the Navy. I believe they came in late 69 or early 70 . They played an active role in supporting The Seawolves,Seals and Riverine forces to complete their mission. They were manned by Pilot/ Copilot and a Crewman.and could be heavily armed in needed. their missions included Det runs with needed parts, mail, and flew combat missions inserting and extracting Seals, Medivac duty and many other missions. Having the Sealords Birds Let the Gunships fly more missions and made it easier Navy with Navy .We no longer had to call on the Army Slicks for they other missions to cover. History courtesy of Bill Rutledge
A Few Links
Seawolf Web siteDedicated to HAL3
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