Boeing-Vertol HH/UH‑46
in US Navy

The U.S. Navy variant of the Sea Knight was designated as the UH-46. The Navy primarily utilized the UH-46A and UH-46D models for vertical replenishment (VERTREP), a critical logistical role involving the rapid transfer of ammunition, food, and spare parts between supply ships and combat vessels at sea. Unlike the Marine Corps version which focused on carrying combat troops into battle, the Navy's UH-46 variants were specifically modified with specialized cargo-handling equipment to move external sling loads weighing up to 4,000 pounds. First entering service in November 1964 aboard the combat stores ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1), these tandem-rotor helicopters proved essential for keeping naval fleets fully supplied during long deployments. The Navy operated its UH-46 fleet through multiple global conflicts before officially retiring the aircraft in 2004, passing the VERTREP mission on to the MH-60S Seahawk


US Navy Sea Knight Variants:
1962 - UH-46A
1966 - UH-46D
1970 - HH-46A
1970 - HH-46D

See also US Marine Corps

The Navy s first factory school on the UH-46A helo early 1964. ADJ3 Jim L Ludoph third from the left, and I were the only enlisted aircrew. I am second from the left ADJ3 Jack L Jones. We ferried both 150965 and 150966 at completion of school to our squadron HU-1 at Ream Field, Imperial Beach California. The first detachment was Det 47. Side no. 61 was 150966 and 150965 was 60.