After the success of the S-61/SH-3 Sea King series, Sikorsky began a private venture to modify the S-61 for land-based use, dubbing the model the S-61R. While it retained the powerplant and layout of the S-61, the S-61R had a completely redesigned and larger fuselage that lacked the boat hull of the SH-3, but added greater internal capacity, portholes for passengers, and a rear ramp. During the S-61R’s development in 1963, the USAF took an interest in it and ordered several examples as the CH-3C, with a follow-on model with uprated engines, the CH-3E, in 1965. Both variants were used in the SAR roles, especially for overwater rescue, and recovery of drones. The US Coast Guard bought the S-61R as the HH-3F Pelican, and these helicopters remained in service until the late 1990s, when they were replaced by HH-60J Jayhawks.
With the US’ involvement in Vietnam and increasing losses to North Vietnamese air defenses, the USAF now needed a SAR helicopter that had the range and defensive ability to reach downed pilots in thick, triple-canopy jungle. At the time, the USAF’s only real rescue helicopters were the UH-1 Iroquois and HH-43 Huskie, neither of which had the range necessary. As a result, the USAF undertook a crash program to convert its CH-3Es, which were the only helicopters that suited the role, to HH-3E standard. This included armoring the fuselage floor with titanium, adding drop tanks and additional underfloor tanks to increase its range still further, a high-speed rescue hoist with a teardrop-shaped jungle penetrator, and defensive armament to fend off any enemy ground troops. The latter began as two M60 7.62mm light machine guns, but as the war continued and ground defenses grew stronger, HH-3s carried a wide variety of weapons limited only by the crew’s inventiveness, including larger .50 caliber heavy machine guns and M214 Minigun gatling cannons. Inflight refueling was also added through an extendable nose probe.
The first HH-3Es were deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and immediately began operations throughout Southeast Asia, either from their main base at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, or from forward bases in Laos. Because of their camouflage, they adopted the callsign “Jolly Green,” after the popular frozen vegetable commercial character of the time. Hearing the radio call, “Here comes Jolly Green” brought hope to many downed pilots fighting for their lives in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Escorted by A-1 Skyraider “Sandies,” the Jolly Greens prided themselves on going anywhere needed, even on occasion disobeying orders and venturing into the deadliest spot on the planet, the area around Hanoi known as “Pak Six.” The Jolly Greens rescued thousands of pilots, and paid a commensurate price; one HH-3E pilot, Gerald Young, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1967. The HH-3E never officially was given a name by the USAF—it was simply known as the Jolly Green Giant.
Following the end of the Vietnam War, most of the HH-3Es were relegated to lesser duties, or USAF Reserve or Air National Guard units—replaced by the larger and more capable HH-53 series. Nonetheless, HH-3s remained in service into the 1990s; they logged over 200 missions during the First Gulf War. All HH-3Es were out of service by 1995. The type remains in service with Italy as the HH-3F Pelican, and has seen service in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
This is a rather unusual picture, taken by my dad on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown (CVS-10), probably in 1966. This USAF HH-3E landed aboard the Yorktown after it ran low on fuel during a rescue mission over southern North Vietnam. The crew landed without incident, but were a little confused by the hand signals given them by the flight deck crew--and the flight deck crew were confused about what signals they were supposed to give! After five minutes trying to get the Jolly Green crew to fold their rotors--which the HH-3E can't do--both sides finally figured it out. The crew spent the night and flew back to Da Nang the next day.
Given that this Jolly Green is from Da Nang, it undoubtedly belongs to one of the squadrons of the 3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group. It is seen parked behind the Yorktown's island structure; a SH-3E Sea King, the Navy's "cousin" to the HH-3, is to the left.
