| Unit Name: | 333 ASW Squadron |
| Native Name: | ۳۳۳ سکواڈرن |
| Dates: | Since 1970 |
| Branch: | Pakistan Naval Air Arm |
| Type: | Squadron |
| Garrison: | PNS Mehran |
| Garrison Label: | Station |
| Nickname: | Seagulls |
| Colours: | --> |
| Colours Label: | --> |
| Mascot: | A Seagull |
| Anniversaries: | 8 September (Navy day) |
| Equipment: | Aérospatiale Alouette III |
| Equipment Label: | Helicopters |
| Battles Label: | Engagements |
The 333 Squadron also known by its nickname the Seagulls is a helicopter squadron of the Pakistan Naval Air Arm which operates Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters stationed at PNS Mehran. With its helicopters deployed aboard various ships of the Pakistan Navy, the squadron is assigned with anti-submarine warfare role while also conducting secondary duties ranging from SAR to MEDEVAC.[1] [2] [3] [4]
The squadron was established in 1970 when Pakistan started talks with the UK for two Whitby-class frigates for which Aérospatiale was to provide four SA-316s. While the deal for the Whitby class frigates was scrapped, Pakistan still went ahead with the acquisition of SA-319s for which 4 pilots were sent to France for training on the chopper. The helicopters were inducted in the Pakistan Naval Air Arm in 1977 which marked the official raising of the 333 squadron.[5] [6] [1] The squadron's fleet continued to expand with two radar fitted Alouette-IIIs inducted in 1982 and two more Ex-French SA-319Bs with upgraded flight controls and avionics inducted in 2008.[5] [6] The helicopters of the squadron have been modified to fire Mk. 46 light torpedoes to enable them to conduct anti-submarine warfare.[3]
The squadron has took part in multiple naval operations and exercises throughout the years. In 2017, an Allouettte-III of the squadron undertook a MEDEVAC operation in which a seriously ill Pakistan Navy sailor aboard PNS Tariq was airlifted to USNS Amelia Earhart from where he was shifted to USS Makin Island for further treatment.[7]