The original Seawolves were an all-volunteer squadron that served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. This squadron, officially called HA(L)-3 (Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) 3), was created to support the Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces in Vietnam. This specialized unit provided necessary backing for the Navy, and resulted in permanent establishment of HAL squadrons in the US Navy.
As with most Vietnam War veterans, the Seawolves were not welcomed home with gratitude or celebration, until now.
Honoring the Seawolves
The Honor Flight program provides veterans with the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. in order to visit memorials commemorating their service in the US Military. This past Sunday, the Seawolves returned from their Honor Flight in San Diego and Pacifica seawolves were given the chance to welcome them home properly, finally.
At the airport, Pacifica students and staff held welcome home signs behind the sailors/captains as the veterans came off of their flight. Along with the group from Pacifica, the Seawolves were cheered on and greeted by friends, family, camera crews, and other organizations seeking to recognize and honor their service. Pacifica staff members Matt Mulligan, Brendan Ward, and Jonathan Sims handed out engraved tags to each of the veterans as a token of appreciation.
Students were able to talk with some of the veterans, who were excited and overwhelmed to find out that Pacifica dons the Seawolf as our mascot. It was a sentimental experience for everyone involved, with Pacificans getting the chance to express their gratitude and the Seawolves responding with emotional thanks for their recognition. The Seawolves were honorably welcomed home at last.
Carrying on the Seawolf Legacy
Through participating in this special experience, students were able to grasp a better understanding of who the Seawolves are and why we proudly adopt them as our school mascot. Coach Staci Lane summed up the experience well.
“We have so much to be thankful for to those who have given of themselves for our freedom and country” said Lane. “Yet it was them who exhibited gratitude and grace to us. I love the relationship that has been forged between the veterans and their families with our school. This event solidified the reciprocal benefits and blessings that both groups get from each other.”
We are grateful that members of the Pacifica community had this special opportunity to honor these veterans and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Seawolf.
Original source can be found here.
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