First CH-3Cs and HH-3Es in SEA

The following is an extraction from the notes of John Konek

On 6 July 1964 two CH-3C helicopters arrived at Nakon Phanom RTAFB to initiate a new era for Search and Rescue in SEA. The added range, protective armor, and speed made the CH-3C an adequate aircrew rescue vehicle. The aircraft were assigned to the newly established Det. 1, 38th ARS (formed from Det. 3 PARC Tan Son Nhut. (Note: It is believed this happened in 1965 as when the first H-43s arrived at NKP in June of 1964 there we no H-3s on station)

The two helicopters were on loan from the Tactical Air Warfare Center, Eglin AFB FL. They were hastily converted TAC cargo birds and were only interim aircraft.

In August 1965 Major Baylor R. Haynes gathered his crews of the newly built HH-3Es at Stead AFB Nevada. Under code name "Limelight 36" Haynes led his men into their orientation and training program. After completion of orientation the crews departed and arrived at Udorn in late October.

On November 3rd two HH-3Es arrived at Bien Hoa AB by C-133. Major Haynes and his crews tested the helicopters before flying to Udorn on November 10.

CH-3C 63-09685 was lost to enemy action on November 5th. (Note: Check the POW page on the website for more information on this aircraft).

I was with Major Haynes’ first group there at NKP. I was Assistant Crew Chief on 63-09685. Airman 1st Class Ed Gandy and myself did the Pre-flight and launched 9685 that morning. It’s loss and hearing that the crew had been captured on one of our first missions was a very sobering and painful realization that the war was real. – Hank Fannin

By the end of December 1965 there were six HH-3Es and the one remaining CH-3C at Udorn.

In January 1966 the remaining CH-3C was returned to TAC. It was one of only two CH-3Cs to serve in SEA.