Helis, June 26, 2022 - The Spanish Navy (Armada Española) received their first SH-3D in June 1966 when they arrived to naval base Rota aboard USS Independence (CV-62) aircraft carrier.
Dubbed locally “Morsa” (walrus) with code Z.9 (changed later to HS.9) a total of 18 helicopters were delivered in four batches and operated by the 5th naval air squadron (5ta Escuadrilla) in the antisubmarine (ASW) role from the aircraft carrier Dedalo (R-1).
From 1987 three airframes were modified to the Airbone Early Warning (AEW) mission equipped with British Searchwater radars
With the arrival of the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, the squadron changed their primary mission to amphibious and logistics support.
Their replacement began in 2017 with the arrival of four former US Navy SH-60F Seahawk. Four additional helicopters are expected to be delivered by next year.
During their service life the Sea Kings were deployed to Afghanistan (Op Enduring Freedom), Irak, Lebanon (UNIFIL), Bosnia and the Horn of Africa (Op Atalanta) and provided humanitarian aid to Haiti.
On June 23, 2022 the last 2 helicopters in service completed their last landings on the fleet totaling over 100,000 flight hours in 55 years.
Seven helicopters were lost in accidents.
Dubbed locally “Morsa” (walrus) with code Z.9 (changed later to HS.9) a total of 18 helicopters were delivered in four batches and operated by the 5th naval air squadron (5ta Escuadrilla) in the antisubmarine (ASW) role from the aircraft carrier Dedalo (R-1).
From 1987 three airframes were modified to the Airbone Early Warning (AEW) mission equipped with British Searchwater radars
With the arrival of the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, the squadron changed their primary mission to amphibious and logistics support.
Their replacement began in 2017 with the arrival of four former US Navy SH-60F Seahawk. Four additional helicopters are expected to be delivered by next year.
During their service life the Sea Kings were deployed to Afghanistan (Op Enduring Freedom), Irak, Lebanon (UNIFIL), Bosnia and the Horn of Africa (Op Atalanta) and provided humanitarian aid to Haiti.
On June 23, 2022 the last 2 helicopters in service completed their last landings on the fleet totaling over 100,000 flight hours in 55 years.
Seven helicopters were lost in accidents.
Spain Navy Sea King original colour scheme
Sea King as part of Dedalo air wing
Sea King last landing on Juan Carlos I (L-61)
See also |
S-61 H-3 in
Arma Aerea de la Armada Española eslla 005
5 escuadrilla Arma Aerea de la Armada Española Spanish Navy 
