Five U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-12 "Wyverns" flying in formation, in 1985. HS-12 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). ( Image credit US NAVY via Wikipedia)
Five U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-12 “Wyverns” flying in formation, in 1985. HS-12 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). ( Image credit US NAVY via Wikipedia)
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King flew for the first time fifty-five years ago today. A twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and utility maritime helicopter, the SH-3 formed the backbone of the Navy’s ASW helicopter force from 1961 until 2006. The Sea King featured a voluminous main cabin which could accommodate dipping sonar and radar and a rugged fuselage that incorporated a watertight hull. The main landing gear retracted into stabilizing floats which allowed the SH-3 to land on water, giving it true amphibious capability. Sea Kings were used for recovering astronauts while other variants were modified for search and rescue and VIP transport. The SH-60 Seahawk has since replaced the SH-3 in US service but many other nations still operate the Sea King.
Here is one of Anthony’s photos of Valkyrie 611 from the “Neptune’s Raiders” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 17 (HS-17) aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 1990.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Thanks also for the pic of one of ‘my’ birds.
I was attached to HS-17 when that photo of 611 was taken.
I am likely just out of the shot– with chocks and chains in hand…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the SeaKing!!!
Thanks also for the pic of one of ‘my’ birds.
I was attached to HS-17 when that photo of 611 was taken.
I am likely just out of the shot– with chocks and chains in hand…
Send us pictures Dave!