On 2 May 1960, HS-9 joined with anti-submarine squadrons VS-34 "Proud Tigers" and VS-39 "Hoot Owls" in ceremonies establishing "Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group 60 (CVSG-60)" (tail code "AW"), thus forming the genesis of the Hunter/Killer Groups of the 1960s and early 1970s. From 1960 to 1966 CVSG-60 operated from the deck of in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. In September 1962 in compliance with the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system the squadron's HSS-1N helicopters were redesignated the SH-34J “Seabat”. In October 1962 the "Sea Griffins" flew numerous antisubmarine and surface ship surveillance missions in support of the quarantine of Cuba. At its peak in 1964, HS-9 had a complement of 50 officers and 260 enlisted men. In 1963 HS-9 transitioned to the Sikorsky SH-3A "Sea King".