Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 8 was redesignated, in early 2005, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 as part of a merger of the HC and helicopter anti-submarine (HS) communities. The change came as a result of the introduction of the MH-60S Knighthawk, replacing the CH-46D Sea Knight, UH-3H Sea King and the SH-60F Seahawk, and the future introduction of the MH-60R Seahawk, which is replacing the SH-60B Seahawk. Helicopter Combat Support Squadron EIGHT (HC-8), the Dragon Whales. HC-8 flies the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and performs search and rescue and vertical replenishment in support of the Atlantic Fleet. HC-8 also operates the Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Operations School (HELIOPS) providing Landing Signalman Enlisted (LSE), Helicopter Instrument Ground School (HIGS), Helicopter Control Officer (HCO), and night vision goggles training. Helicopter Combat Support Squadron EIGHT (HC-8) was established on 03 December 1984 with only four aircraft and 60 total officers and enlisted personnel. HC-8 consists of 14 aircraft, 50 officers and nearly 300 enlisted personnel, and is a member of the Helicopter Tactical Wing, US Atlantic Fleet at Naval Air Station, Norfolk, VA.
