[Llarry]

A pictorial history of U.S. Navy helicopters:

Sikorsky HO3S of around 1950 (used during Korean War); an aircraft carrier typically embarked a detachment of just two

Sikorsky HO4S of mid-1950s; not only on carriers, but commonly assigned to Naval Air Stations as search & rescue aircraft; some were used in early helicopter anti-submarine (ASW) operations

Vertol HUP of later 1950s; like the earlier Sikorsky birds, assigned to carriers for SAR and utility duties in small numbers

Sikorsky HSS Seabat; the first really capable ASW helicopter; assigned to ASW carriers in squadron strength

Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King; the first turbine-powered ASW helicopter; also used for recovery of space capsules etc.; long-retired from the Navy but continues in service as the 'Marine One' VH-3D presidential helicopter, soon to be replaced.

Kaman SH-2 Seasprite; smaller turbine-powered helo assigned to cruisers and destroyers for ASW and utility work. Note the ASW torpedo just behind the landing gear.

Sikorsky SH-60B; replaced SH-2 on surface ships; now retired

Sikorsky SH-60F; replaced SH-3 on carriers; unlike SH-60B, equipped with dipping sonar

Sikorsky MH-60R; the current ASW helo on both carriers and surface ships; also has dipping sonar (not pictured)

Sikorsky MH-60S; the other common fleet helo; used for logistics resupply, search and rescue, etc.

Sikorsky MH-53E: A very large helicopter used for mine clearance and logistics resupply; getting old and no replacement in sight