HA(L)-3 "Seawolves" Naval Aviator 10oz. Mug, Navy Helicopter Attack Squadron flying the H-1 - Shop at Hippy's Goodness

In 1966, the U.S. Navy initiated rotary wing support for the Vietnam War, beginning with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE (HC-1). Helicopter gunship detachments, initially Army UH-1B models, were transferred to the Navy to conduct operations in South Vietnam's Mekong Delta. HC-1 provided quick reaction and close air support (CAS) for the Brown-water Navy. Due to the success of these missions, the Navy expanded the operation, leading to the creation of Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) 3 (HAL-3), known as the "Seawolves," on April 1, 1967. HAL-3, formed from volunteers, was commanded by LCDR Joseph B. Howard and adopted a wolf insignia inspired by Löwenbräu beer, combined with Navy symbols.