Description

HAL-3 Seawolves Squadron Patch – Sew On

• 4″ patch
• Embroidered
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business
• Sew On
• Plastic Backing (increases rigidity; the patch lasts longer and stays flat)

1 April 1967: established;
16 March 1972: disestablished.

They were a volunteer unit during the Vietnam War that supported Riverine Units with UH-1 Hueys.   During operations, they were credited with protecting many brown water Navy boat crews and special operation forces.  This unique pairing represented a unique Navy mission.

Prior to the Vietnam War, the helicopter was a valued tool within the United States Army for reconnaissance, Search and Rescue (SAR), and medical evacuation of wounded (MEDEVAC).[1] Helicopters within the United States Navy were used for Search and Rescue (SAR), Vertical replenishment (VERTREP), Marine amphibious envelopment, and, experimentally, as mine sweepers. As an offensive weapon, the Navy developed the helicopter as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, developing the capability to carry and launch torpedoes.[2] As an offensive weapon for ground-based targets, the helicopter was relatively ignored in favor of traditional, fixed-wing aircraft.

A UH-1E of HA(L)-3 landing on USS Harnett County (LST-821), October 1967.
In 1965, the US Navy began joint operations off the southern coast of South Vietnam in support of the growing war. In the same year, the Navy began limited river operations in the Mekong Delta, disrupting the Viet Cong’s lines of communications, locating supply caches, and eliminating tax collecting stations. Based on the “Brown-water” Navy’s early success, a commitment was made to continue river operations on a full-scale basis in the Mekong Delta. It was also determined that key to the survival of the boats operating in the rivers would be close air support.[3]

Initially, the Brown-water Navy was supported by elements of the US Army’s 145th Combat Aviation Battalion who had greater experience in helicopter gunship operations and tactics. Operating off a “Mothership”, the USS Belle Grove, the Army and Navy worked together on Operation Jackstay. Although the joint effort was a success, it was felt that Naval Aviators and Aircrewman would be more suitable for the mission, especially since the mission would require the pilots and crews to operate off the deck of ships in all weather conditions, day and night. This, coupled with Army’s pilots and aircrews lack of training in shipboard operations, identified a need for a dedicated, United States Navy, helicopter gunship program in Vietnam.[3]