Dates

Event

Constructed as a HH-52A.

Circa 1966

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Coast Guard with s/n 1421.

From By January 1967 to After December 1968

Transferred to CGAS Miami, FL.

By September 1977

Transferred to CGAS Detroit, MI.

By October 1983

Transferred to CGAS Miami, FL.

23 November 1984

Aircraft commander Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Michael K. Van Doren was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight engaged in the rescue of four persons from the pleasure craft SUGAR BEAR. The stricken vessel was taking on water and foundering in extremely heavy seas approximately 90 miles east of Miami, Florida. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Van Doren located the SUGAR BEAR despite rapidly deteriorating visibility due to darkness, blowing seas, and winds exceeding 50 knots. After coordinating hoisting instructions with his crew and the crew members of the distressed vessel, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Van Doren expertly guided his helicopter over the deck of the distressed vessel and began a series of hoists while remaining clear of the wildly slashing outriggers and tuna tower. During the second hoist, when the rescue basket became entangled with the boats rigging, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Van Doren demonstrated superb flying skills and crew coordination. With three victims safely evacuated and no one to control the vessels heading. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Van Doren directed the last person into the water, conducted a difficult, no-reference hoist from the sea, and successfully evacuated the last of the four survivors to safety. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Van Dorens actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of four persons. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

By May 1986

Transferred to CGAS Chicago, IL.

17 May 1986

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield
Notes: At Chicago OHare ANG/AFR Base open house.

1 July 1986

Transferred to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposal Center (MASDC) with inventory number 460009.

To Holloman AFB, NM.
For use as a range target.