AD3 at Sitka then at San Diego. That was before there were rescue swimmers. It was a wise move to incorporate them into the service. The cold incapacitates a person, and in big seas, the Pelican can't land on the water. Makes the crew feel helpless if you can't do the rescue. Proud to have served, got me a Sikorsky Rescue Award just prior to the end of my enlistment. Semper Paratus!!!
I saw the ol' Pelican at the Naval Aviation Museum a while back. I gave her a hug and said "Thanks." Muscular, fast and always prepared. A fine mix-master, indeed.
The United States Coast Guard Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican along with the United States Air Force Sikorsky HH-3E and MH-3E Jolly Green Giant, United States Navy Sikorsky UH-3H and SH-3H Sea King, United States Marine Corps Sikorsky VH-3A/D Sea King, and United States Army Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe ( Skycrane ) all have the same cockpit design! Definitely all favorites of mine! The Sikorsky HH-52G Sea Guard is awesome too! The Sikorsky HH-3F Pelicans where replaced by the Sikorsky HH-60J and now MH-60T Jayhawk Helicopters!
It was an E ticket ride in these birds until they fell out of the sky....Still would not have traded my time in them for anything...Proud to have served...68-71
I actually got some time on the 86. I'd also like to mention that there were MANY rescues made before rescue swimmers became operational. Just sayin'. :) There is also a HH-52A at The Museum of Flight south of Seattle that I crewed on. Damn, I am old.
I had the privilege to serve as an USN helicopter rescue swimmer with the HS-7 Dusty Dogs deployed on board the USS John F. Kennedy from 1983-85. Went through the USN East Coast SAR school pipe line in 1982 and seem to recall at least one Coastie in our class back then. I don't remember if he made it through or not; but I'm almost certain they were putting guys through back then very early in the USCG rescue swimmer development. USN has had Rescue Swimmers since the late 1960's.
@@geraldturner9764 I remember because I was also on the rescue that night, I was the HS that night. I really remember looking down and just seeing the waves.
Well, if they took the blades off of it, I think they should’ve brought it inside. It’s sort of looks lonely, sitting out there like that at the museum.
AD3 at Sitka then at San Diego. That was before there were rescue swimmers. It was a wise move to incorporate them into the service. The cold incapacitates a person, and in big seas, the Pelican can't land on the water. Makes the crew feel helpless if you can't do the rescue. Proud to have served, got me a Sikorsky Rescue Award just prior to the end of my enlistment. Semper Paratus!!!
I loved riding in those things. Felt safe in any weather condition. Rode like a cadillac.
I am USCG A.E.3 veteran, was HH3F Avionicsman out of USCG AirSta Clearwater,,FL... I LUVS the "Pelican"!!
I saw the ol' Pelican at the Naval Aviation Museum a while back. I gave her a hug and said "Thanks."
Muscular, fast and always prepared. A fine mix-master, indeed.
The United States Coast Guard Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican along with the United States Air Force Sikorsky HH-3E and MH-3E Jolly Green Giant, United States Navy Sikorsky UH-3H and SH-3H Sea King, United States Marine Corps Sikorsky VH-3A/D Sea King, and United States Army Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe ( Skycrane ) all have the same cockpit design! Definitely all favorites of mine! The Sikorsky HH-52G Sea Guard is awesome too! The Sikorsky HH-3F Pelicans where replaced by the Sikorsky HH-60J and now MH-60T Jayhawk Helicopters!
It was an E ticket ride in these birds until they fell out of the sky....Still would not have traded my time in them for anything...Proud to have served...68-71
I actually got some time on the 86. I'd also like to mention that there were MANY rescues made before rescue swimmers became operational. Just sayin'. :) There is also a HH-52A at The Museum of Flight south of Seattle that I crewed on. Damn, I am old.
You're right about rescues before rescue swimmers, I had plenty before in Clearwater, Fl. I was a flight mechanic on HH-3F from 1986-1989.
I had the privilege to serve as an USN helicopter rescue swimmer with the HS-7 Dusty Dogs deployed on board the USS John F. Kennedy from 1983-85. Went through the USN East Coast SAR school pipe line in 1982 and seem to recall at least one Coastie in our class back then. I don't remember if he made it through or not; but I'm almost certain they were putting guys through back then very early in the USCG rescue swimmer development. USN has had Rescue Swimmers since the late 1960's.
Definitely a well deserved award.
I was an AD3 on H3s at Cape Cod. Flew as Flt Mech the night of the Perfect Storm. Then went to HS school. SEMPER PARATUS
Was Mr Dewitt the pilot and Scotty Hunt he swimmerMark Israel on the comms that night?
@@tomstephens326 well, about 32 yrs ago. Don't really remember, but I do remember those names.
@@geraldturner9764 I remember because I was also on the rescue that night, I was the HS that night. I really remember looking down and just seeing the waves.
The true grandfather of the CH-53E Super Stallion
Flew many hours on 1486 while stationed at Annette, Ak. 75-76
Well, if they took the blades off of it, I think they should’ve brought it inside. It’s sort of looks lonely, sitting out there like that at the museum.
Crewed on that bird many times at CGAS San Diego.
What years where you at San Diego?
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