McDaniels, a VR-24 pilot, joined by many of his old squadron-mates as "HC-4 Plankowners." The "VOD Squad" provided service to ships of the SIXTH FLEET until 1983 when their helicopters were transferred to the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM)community.įoreseeing an expansion of the VOD mission, the Navy purchased the new, three engine, seven blade, Sikorsky CH-53E "Super Stallion" and on, HELSUPPRON FOUR was established as the Navy's first heavy lift, helicopter combat support squadron. Entitled Vertical Onboard Delivery (VOD), the "VOD Squad" of VR-24 possessed a helicopter heavy lift capability never before seen in the Mediterranean Theater. The 1977 arrival of four RH-53D helicopters to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron TWO FOUR (VR-24) ushered in a new era in combat logistics support. The Black Stallions and their fleet remain on call to employ their unique lift capability and range to all theater commanders. The helicopter squadron for fleet logistical support is headquartered at the Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily referred to the "Hub of the Med". The MH-53E has the ability to meet these requirements swiftly, with its unique lifting capability of 25,000 pounds external and 18,000 pounds internal, a range of up to 600 miles or further with aerial refueling and ability to self lift virtually anywhere in NAVCENT/NAVEUR Areas of Responsibilities (AORs). Helicopter Combat Support Squadron īeing a forward-deployed squadron, HC-4 stands ready for many short fused missions.
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