Helo Performed Many CSAR Missions During Service

A battle-proven and time-tested Sikorsky Aircraft H-53 helicopter that accomplished Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and other demanding missions during the past several decades has been inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH.

"Sikorsky Aircraft has the longest and most successful record of any helicopter company in history when it comes to combat search and rescue, starting in 1944 with the R-4 aircraft and continuing with the H-53 family," said Mike Farage, Director of Air Force Programs for Sikorsky Aircraft. "We are proud that the Air Force has recognized this legacy with the induction of this aircraft."    

The CH-53 and its variants, the HH-53 Jolly Green Giant and the MH-53 PAVE LOW, came into service in 1967 and since then have served in some of the toughest missions. In addition to combat search and rescue, these missions include armed assault, heavy-lift and troop transport. Sikorsky is currently developing the next generation heavy-lift, the CH-53K, for the US Marine Corps, and also has introduced the H-92 helicopter, which is currently competing for the US Air Force's Combat Search and Rescue platform.

"The H-92 helicopter is the culmination of all we’ve learned about combat search and rescue technology since World War II, which comprises an immense amount of knowledge and experience," said John Pacelli, Vice President and Business Acquisition Manager for CSAR-X. 

During the July 7 induction ceremony, Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, Commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command and former MH-53 pilot, said, "The H-53 fleet has logged countless combat hours, flown in every contingency in the last 40 years and met the needs of national objectives time and time again."

He added, "The machines have seen a couple of generations of these people come and go, and always they remain ... the enduring posture to respond to the nation's call when needed."

The H-53 fleet has flown on 13 missions that earned the Air Force Cross, the second-highest military decoration awarded to a member of the Air Force, and on missions that resulted in the presentation of 140 Silver Star awards, the third-highest military decoration awarded to a member of any branch of the US armed forces.

"The distinguished record of the fleet is a testament to the people behind the aircraft -- the designers and engineers who developed the proven and reliable technology, the people who worked the line constructing the fleet, and the crews who have maintained it," Farage said.

The H-53 and its variants were used extensively during the last four decades to perform special operations and rescue of combat personnel. >From the recovery of prisoners of war and downed airmen during the Vietnam War to the daring missions performed during Operation Desert Storm, including the first successful combat rescue of a downed pilot, the aircraft have repeatedly proven their capability.

The representative aircraft inducted into the US Air Force Museum was known for its ability to sustain damage and keep flying. It served as the command and control helicopter in the rescue attempt of American prisoners from the Son Tay prison camp in North Vietnam in 1970. For the mission, the crew received an Air Force Cross and four Silver Star decorations.

The aircraft, tail number 68-10357, operated for 38 years, often surmounting great odds to bring its crews home safely. It completed its final mission on March 28, 2008, in Iraq. The remaining MH-53s will retire by September 30.

"Even with the retirement of aircraft 68-10357 and the remaining Air Force contingent of CH-53 helicopters, more than 360 H-53 variants will remain flying, still proudly serving the US Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the armed forces of Germany, Japan, and Israel," said Mark Cherry, Vice President, Marine Corps Programs for Sikorsky. "And we are proud of the fact that we are writing the next chapter in the legacy of the CH-53 platform, the CH-53K helicopter."

FMI: www.sikorsky.com, www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/