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Helicopter Sea Control Squadron Eight
HSC-8 "Eightballers"
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight's primary mission is to employ the versatility of the MH-60S helicopter to support the battle group commander's objectives, with emphasis on anti-surface warfare (ASUW), combat search and rescue (CSAR), support of special operations, and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Secondary missions include anti-ship missile defense and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). HSC-8 was established on September 28, 2007 and traces its lineage directly to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Eight.
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Hangar 340, one of the two unique double-arched structures
constructed in 1941 to house blimps, is home to the Eightballers.
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The Eightballers "Sierra" model MH-60s
still have that "New Helicopter" smell.
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LTJG Jim Gormley, HSC-8 Public Affairs
Officer, was our genial host
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Originally built for the Army, the Knighthawk's
rear wheel sits much further back than earlier
models, making carrier landings "interesting"
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Squadron Skipper John Fry listens as Jim
explains the Sierra's capabilities
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"The Sierra can also. . . "
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The Eightballers signature "Chain"
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