Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Scramble The Seawolves

U.S. Navy Huey helicopter (undated photo)
Courtesy of Arballo Entertainment
U.S. Navy Huey helicopter (undated photo)

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App

“Scramble The Seawolves” reveals the untold story of the most decorated squadron in U.S. Naval Aviation history...the HA(L)-3 Seawolves. From meager beginnings, the most effective and offensive Navy squadron, Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three Seawolves, was established inside the Republic of Vietnam in support of Task Force-116, Operation Gamewarden in 1967.

Scramble The Seawolves

The Navy Seawolves were an all-volunteer squadron of approximately 3000 brave young men. Nine detachments, consisting of two crews, four men each, were strategically located throughout Military Regions III and IV, Mekong Delta. Over their 5 year existence, The Battle of VC Lake, September 1970, is remembered as one of the most intense combat events that included multiple Seawolf detachments, Sealords and Dustoff 86. Hear the raw emotional account of this battle from those that survived and witnessed their Seawolf brother's parish.

Advertisement
U.S. Navy Huey helicopter (undated photo)
Courtesy of Arballo Entertainment
U.S. Navy Huey helicopter (undated photo)

The HA(L)-3 Seawolves would become the most decorated Squadron in the Vietnam War, arguably in all of naval aviation history with five NAVY Crosses awarded, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 15,964 Air Medals, countless other Medals, and received multiple Presidential Unit Citations, yet their story is virtually unknown to most.

U.S. Navy Seawolves group photo (undated photo)
Courtesy of Arballo Entertainment
U.S. Navy Seawolves group photo (undated photo)

Watch On Your Schedule: This film is available to stream with the PBS app. Watch the best of PBS anytime, anywhere on the free PBS app. Stream your favorite PBS shows on-demand and livestream shows from your local station, all from your favorite device.

Credits: Creator: Jeff Arballo. Executive Producer: John Decker. Producer: Shannon Arballo. Production Company: Arballo Entertainment. Director: Jeff Arballo. DP: Jeff Arballo.