HC-9 "Protectors" Aviator 10oz. Coffee Mug, Navy Combat Search and Rescue Squadron flying the HH-3 Sea King - Shop at Hippy's Goodness

To maintain the combat expertise of HC-7 aircrews and personnel, the U.S. Navy Reserve formed HC-9 PROTECTORS on August 1, 1975, under HELWINGRES. HC-9 operated the HH-3A Sea King, offering combat search and rescue training, and provided operational support to carrier strike groups when needed. In 1988, HC-9 was disbanded as HELWINGRES consolidated combat search and rescue and special operations support into the two remaining reserve squadrons, Helicopter Combat Support Squadrons (Special) FOUR and FIVE (HCS-4 and HCS-5).