Archive image: An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 (HSM-74), conducts search and rescue (SAR) jump and hoist evolutions with Sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Rescue Swimmer School onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, October 30, 2024.
The demonstration was to help educate Aviation Rescue Swimmer School and Aviation Enlisted Aircrew students on capabilities upon entering the fleet.
Naval Education and Training Command’s mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Zachary Melvin.
In June 2024, U.S. Navy aircrews flying MH-60R Seahawk helicopters conducted the rescue of 22 mariners after two commercial vessels were attacked by Houthis in the southern Red Sea and adjacent Gulf of Aden.
A central player in Yemen’s civil war, the Houthis used an unmanned surface vessel to damage and then sink motor vessel Tutor, a coal carrier enroute to India. A day later, Houthis launched anti-ship cruise missiles that struck the cargo ship Verbena bound for Italy.
Into this challenging and complex operational environment, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 (HSM-74) operating with the Eisenhower carrier strike group answered the calls for help.
Medevac mission for an injured mariner
On June 13, an HSM-74 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter deployed o the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea conducted a medevac (medical evacuation) for a critically injured civilian mariner from motor vessel Verbena.
Using the MH-60R’s advanced sensor and communications suite, the crew built the maritime picture for embarked Navy leaders in the task force while enroute to the distressed vessel.
Given motor vessel Verbena had no flight deck or suitable landing pad, the MH-60R aircrew determined the rescue litter hoist would occur between two amidship cargo cranes spaced approximately 70 feet apart.
The pilot at the controls expertly guided the helicopter into a 20-foot hover between the bow and mid-ships kingposts. A rescue swimmer lowered to the deck and guided the aircrew into position to receive the rescue litter.
The injured mariner was evacuated to a partner navy ship for life-saving medical treatment.
Rescue mission of the 24 mariners of Tutor vessel
The June 12 attack on the vessel Tutor killed one crewmember and resulted in catastrophic damage to the vessel’s propulsion system.
Following recovery from the motor vessel Verbena rescue, HSM-74 maintenance crews aboard the USS Philippine Sea quickly reconfigured the cabin of an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to fit seven survivors, two aircrewman and a rescue basket.
Once the USS Philippine Sea was in range on June 14, the MH-60R aircrew flew at low altitude through Houthi-threatened airspace to the stricken ship. A crewmember lowered to the deck assessed the situation was safe, then began hoisting the first seven survivors onboard.
Because the ship’s landing pad was rated for small helicopters, the aircraft had to maintain a 10-foot hover. That’s when piloting skills truly came into play. While hoisting the fourth survivor, the aircrew had to adapt to the hot, humid environment by alternating hover altitudes between 2-3 feet and 10 feet to better manage engine power limitations.
After completing the first rescue sortie, the MH-60R helicopter returned to the USS Philippine Sea to drop off the survivors, conduct a crew swap and refuel the helicopter. Two more rescue sorties were performed for a total of 21 sailors saved by HSM-74. To prevent the need for a night-time rescue, the U.S. Navy provided security overwatch for a NATO ally ship’s helicopter to lift an additional three survivors.
The vessel Tutor sank on 18 June.
Rescue Awards
During a December 2024 ceremony at Stratford, Connecticut, Sikorsky President Rich Benton presented each HSM-74 aircrew member with a Sikorsky Winged-S rescue award.
“On behalf of all Sikorsky employees, I thank you — the “Swamp Foxes” of HSM-74 — and your families for your dedicated service,” said Benton.
“You selflessly answered the call to serve, and expertly operated your Seahawk helicopter under challenging conditions so that others may live. Your high standard, and your legacy, will continue to inspire future generations of search and rescue teams. Congratulations.”
Sikorsky Winged-S Rescue Award
Initiated in 1950, the Winged-S Rescue Award honors individuals who directly perform a lifesaving rescue flying a Sikorsky helicopter.
In 2023, more than 3,000 aircrew received a Winged-S award for lives saved using Sikorsky helicopters.
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
