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The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King revolutionized Search and Rescue, Airborne Early Warning, Vertical helicopter resupply, and anti-submarine warfare at sea. First flown in 1959 the Sikorsky was used by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Malysia, Japan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Spain, The United Kingdom, Venezuela and more than 400 by the US Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Air Force.

The last US Navy Sea King SH-3 was retired in 2006 and very few countries still operate the old reliable bird. The last US operator is the US Marine Corps who operates 11 VH-3D’s for the Washington Military District at the disposal of the President. These are slated for retirement ASAP.

41 elderly CH-124 Sea Kings continue to serve with the Canadian Defense Forces, expected to be retired in 2013.

59 UK Westland-built Sea Kings including 16 SAR and 13 AEW variants will be replaced by Merlins or unspecified civilian aircraft by 2016.

Today, the last Sea Kinds were retired from the Australian Navy after 35-years of service.

From the RAN’s PAO:

SEA KINGS AND 817 SQUADRON MAKE THEIR FINAL FLIGHT

The Royal Australian Navy’s Sea King helicopters and 817 Squadron have made their final flight as part of a decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Albatross in Nowra today. The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, were on hand to welcome the final flight and thank the 817 Squadron who operated the helicopters.

“Australia’s Sea Kings are being retired after a remarkable 35 years serving in times of conflict, peacekeeping, natural disaster, search and rescue and national celebration,” Mr Snowdon said. “In particular I’d like to thank the men and women of the 817 Squadron past and present, who have served with distinction over the past 48 years.”

“They have lived up to their motto ‘Aude Facere’ – ‘Dare To Do’, and have always served Australia with professionalism and skill.”

“They were there for the 1994 bushfires, the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the 2001 North NSW floods and just this year in the South East Queensland flood relief.”

“I also pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving in 817 Squadron, their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten,” he said.

The Australian Government announced in June, that Sea King shark 07 would be included in the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra, to preserve the Sea Kings’ heritage for future generations.

Commander Paul Moggach, the 817 Squadron’s Commanding Officer, led a formation leaving from the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross yesterday.

The formation made a flying visit up the NSW coast, arriving over Sydney for a flight up Sydney Harbour, followed by a flyover the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs described today’s ceremony as a fitting end to a remarkable career for both the personnel of 817 Squadron and the Sea King Helicopters.

“The Sea Kings are commonly known as the Mack trucks of the skies. All who have maintained and operated them feel honoured to have done so,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“After 35 years, it is time to look to the future with a new generation of aircraft.

“The personnel of 817 Squadron are first rate members of the Navy.

“They’ll now apply their experience, commitment and expertise in other roles throughout the Navy and ADF Aviation, and I wish them well in their new roles,” said Vice Admiral Griggs.