HSC-26 Chargers — Leather Patch
Chargers — Navy's Combat Logistics Workhorse
The Chargers of HSC-26 keep the fleet supplied, the sailors rescued, and the mission moving. This premium leather patch represents one of the Navy's most versatile and hard-working helicopter squadrons — the unit that pioneered MH-60S Seahawk operations on the East Coast and has been first on scene for combat operations and humanitarian disasters alike.
HSC-26 traces its lineage to 1948 when the Navy established its second helicopter squadron at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. Established as HC-6 on 1 September 1967, the Chargers were redesignated HSC-26 in 2005, becoming the first East Coast squadron to operate the MH-60S Knighthawk. Since then, the Chargers have deployed detachments worldwide — the "Desert Hawks" at NSA Bahrain supporting Fifth Fleet, combat logistics during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian relief operations following the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, 2010 Haiti earthquake, Superstorm Sandy, and Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Dorian. The squadron was the first MH-60S unit to field organic airborne mine-countermeasures capability.
Perfect For:
HSC-26 Chargers veterans and active duty sailors, MH-60S Seahawk aircrew, Naval Station Norfolk community, Navy helicopter aviation enthusiasts, and leather patch collectors.
Chargers — First to Respond.