I have a friend who flew the H-2 and was wanting to get him some custom poker chips made with the Navy seal one one side and the H-2 on the other. But I can't find any decent images of the H-2 in flight. If any of you have some, could you forward them to me? Appreciate it.
John Stoever, e-mail, 25.11.2012 02:57
I was an AW / SAR Rescue Swimmer with HSL-31 & HSL-33 1974 - 1978. I loved this bird and the men I worked with. It would be great to hear from any of my squadron mates.
Kirby Sisco, e-mail, 11.11.2012 06:12
I was stationed at NAS Sherman field Pensacola and was a search & rescue crew chief as a member of Pensacola sar det.We provided sar coverage for Sherman & all the outlying training fields,we also provided a detachment to USS Lexington CVT-16,I flew hundreds of hrs.from 71-74 in A,B & C model UH-2'S without any major failures or accidents.I was an ADJ-3 & the birds were pretty easy to work on and very reliable in my opinion & I loved flying in them,I even got to fly copilot on several test hops and actually fly the bird except for takeoff & landing,quite the thrill for a 19 to 21 year old kid like myself.Our squadron was called the Spartan Angels,if anyone from the outfit in that time period reads this please throw me a line " pardon the pun " they were all a great bunch of guys,officers and enlisted alike! If anyone knows where I can get a Spartan Angel patch please let me know. Thank you all for your service and have a safe Veterans Day!!!
michael moore, e-mail, 09.08.2012 07:42
I served in hsl-31 in 1978 for training then went to hsl-35 after that I went to vt-22 Texas bacck to hsl-33 in sandiego. I love the lamps helos; I worked in the airframe shop and went on many detachments they were the best ever. Best flying a/c I ever worked on. Shudder miss them. Amh-2 moore. Retired
Walt (Wally) Speelman, e-mail, 02.06.2012 00:12
My first aircraft in 40 years of maintenance. Lots of good memories. HC-2 Det 66, CVA 66, 1965-1968.
Glenn Railey, e-mail, 30.04.2012 17:49
I was assigned to HC-4 at Lakehurst in 1971 as an AW. Was with the first group developing LAMPS tactics. Plank owner HSL-30 and HSL-32. Deployed on Belknap DLG-26), Wainwight (DLG-28), McCandless (DE 1084), and Standley (DLG-32). Moved with Squadron to Norfolk. Hope all are doing well!
Kent Butterfield, e-mail, 25.04.2012 23:36
My first assignment out of school was HC-5 Ream Field in 1968-69. I was in the AT shop with Ron Westermark, Don't remember names of any of the others. Took rescue crew training and gfotr my wings the day I left in October 69. Took flights in the H-2 A,B and C, the last H-19 a week before it crashed, one h3 flight and one H-34 flight. What a hoot those days were. Dropped a cargo net with concrete weights into the Tijuana River because of a hook failure. Was on a det to the USS Providence with LCDR Stokes or Stoker and Lt Nick Press.
Joe costain, e-mail, 05.02.2012 03:31
Checked in to HU-1 at Ream Field as a AMS1 in Oct. 1963 and they were just getting the H2. Was crew leader on (Det. Romeo) USS Kearsarge CVS-33 (it had hardly any parts we needed for the H2) April 64 and went to Westpac. Vietnam war started in Aug. We were in the Gulf of Tonkin in Aug. and one of our H2s flew a photo hop and while circling a Russian so called fishing trawler (spy ship) the helo lost tail rotor control, crashed in to water and crew was picked up by the trawler. The crew was returned to the Kearsarge by helo. That was the 1st NAVY helo lost in the Vietnam war. I am now 81 years and am USN Ret. (Chief) I have the helmet that was worn by a crewmember that day. His name is AMH3 Richard R. Hester. I have tried to find him for many years to return it, even hiring a private investigator, if you know of him or a family member please contact me. I also was on the USS Coral Sea in 1965 and USS Providence in 1966. Transferred to VR-21 in Oahu, Hawaii and in 1969 went to HC-4 at NAS Lakehurst, NJ to HSL-30 Serving on USS Springfield, USNS Chauvenet and USNS Harkness. The H2 was contrary at times but was a tuf old bird. I retired Sept.74 to St. Clairsville, Ohio/
Bob Schultz, e-mail, 10.01.2012 18:47
Checked into HC-1 (Ream Field) in March, 1967,in April was assigned to HC-5 as a member of the RH-3A (Minesweepers) detachment, became ADJ/Plane Captain/Aircrew for the Minesweepers and performed an occasional SAR mission. In October, 1968 checked into HC-2,(Lakehurst) where I became a Plane Captain/Crewman on UH-2A,Bs; assigned to the FDR (CVA 42) Det and made the Med cruise (Jan-July 1970). One rescue on a A-6 (VA-176), Jerry Graham was Swimmer and Lt Pete Madley, Co-Pilot. Story of the rescue can be found on the USS FDR website under Mishaps, Pics & Videos. Best time of my life, love Helos!
Barry Waluda, e-mail, 03.01.2012 05:53
Flew as a SAR rescue swimmer with HC-2 (Fleet Angels)in 1967-1968. Provided support for the USS Lexington and the USS Independence.
Walt Setzer, e-mail, 27.12.2011 03:30
I was an ADJ in HC-5 Power Plants 1969-70. As I recall, we had one or two A/Bs, and the rest Cs. In 1970 we got 2 HH-2Cs, complete with nose mounted mini gun. I guess they got nervous about flying around Imperial Beach with those guns, because they were removed. Those birds disappeared, and someone told me that they were used during the incursion into Cambodia.
I left HC-5 in 1971 and went to HS-8, so I got to continue with the T-58. I missed the ease of working on the H-2s because the nacelle opened and gave great access to the engine.
Bill Herinya, e-mail, 02.12.2011 02:41
I was a Plane Captain for the B-model while in HC-4 Lakehurst. 1967-1970. B model also had a beefed up landing gear from Dowty, compared to the A models Cleveland gear. Great aircraft for that time. Looking for original HC-4 Squadron patches, from that era. Anyone know where I can find these?
david hillberg, e-mail, 02.11.2011 04:42
I bought a hulk from north island It was one well built machine I wish I had a flyable one..I do have many new parts and components for one..the hulks gone but the dream of one remains.
John Manly, e-mail, 15.09.2011 05:16
Flew the UH-2C, and the UH-34, at NAS Meridian, then two tours at HSL-37 (Plankowner '75-'78, '81-'84). The Hookey-Two was fun to fly, pretty reliable, and it saved a lot of people while in Fleet service. I loved my time as an Easyrider. Great folks busting their chops to keep an underrated helo flying. It was sad to see it leave the Fleet, but it leaves behind a "Can-Do, and did", legacy.
Roger Armstrong, e-mail, 03.08.2011 05:55
I flew the UH-2A/B while attached to NAS Atsugi in 1967. Transitioned to HC-7 (68-69 and did several SAR cruises out of Subic Bay with HC-7 Det 109. Fun helicopter to fly.
I have been wondering if they made it through the war. The pilot's call sign was "Red Baron.
Charles Waterford, e-mail, 05.05.2011 22:15
I went to A/C training at Ream Field in 1963. From there I went to NAS Atsugi Japan (HU-1) where I flew SAR in the UH-2A and the HUP-2. WO John Parks and a few of us, I can't recall all the names, established a Det at NAS Cubi Point with one UH-2A. It later became HC-7.
L.P.DeAcosta, e-mail, 01.04.2011 07:06
I served in HC-4 in lakehurst N.J.1966 till my discharge in june 1968.I was attached to det #36 in viet-nam.Lost power off the coast of vung tau,and made a safe auto rotate into the tonkin gulf.Pilot was lt.Carl S. Parks,would like to hear from anyone,with memory of this occurance,or that recoqnizes,my self went by DEE for obvious reasons,please get in touch.
Mark Moore, e-mail, 16.03.2011 08:30
Assigned to both the Mech shop and SAR school while attached to HSL-31. I accumulated some serious flight time as an aircrew instructor believe me! I look back and find myself lost in time? I made some life long friends while in that squadron. To name a few brother Mech's and crewman: AD2 Mike Reed, AT1 Paul Schwartz (deceased); EMC Wade Puckett, AD2 Bill Hunt, JR Rosenow, AMH2 Andy Marquise, AD3 Mike Greber, AD1 John Vallengua. Including many fine pilots and crews to say the least..100% accident free during my tour!!!! God bless you guys and gals that served. It's time to go "Now Now Now"!
Verne Giddings, e-mail, 21.02.2011 04:25
I was attached to HU-2/HC-2 at NAS Lakehurst from 1964 to 1967 flying the UH-2A aboard the Enterprise and America. I enjoyed flying this bird very much and nearly re-upped see what it was like to fly one with enough power!
Paul F. Whitten,Sr, e-mail, 29.12.2010 08:29
I was a member of the T&D team from Kaman that took the HU2k-1 THRU NAVY TESTING at Pax River in the early 60's. After Pax I joined the introduction team at Lakehurst,NJ. I worked with HU-2 as a factory rep until HU-4 received their aircraft and then I moved over to support them as they moved from many of the reciprocating type helo's to the new and exciting UH-2B. USS Albany was the 1st deployment and I was fortunate to support Lcdr Paul Kirchner, Lcdr John Trimble, Lt Bud Arnold and Lt Dan (forgot his last name). There were great maintenance guys in the det. Next came a long list of non-aviation deployments including the command ship of the 6th fleet home ported in Ville France the USS Springfield.A long line of superb aviators and maintenance folks come to mind headed by names like MCPO Sid Temple and MCPO Bill Hobson. I continue to support the H-2 helo around the world by manufacturing the tracking/balancing and vibration analysis electronic equipment (Dynamic Instruments, San Diego). The NHA is certainly the main stay of our helicopter memories.
Steve Shrawder, e-mail, 21.12.2010 18:24
I flew the Seasprite at HC-4 in Lakehurst. I reported to the permanent detachment in Vietnam 1970-71? We disestablished the detachment and brought the bird home in 1971?. I was fortunate to be one of a handful of pilots to help transition to HSL-30 and get the bird outfitted for LAMPS capability, including going to sea numerous times on the USS Belknap. One of the most difficult things I have ever done is land the Seasprite on the very small Belknap flight deck in sea states 4-5 at night (no moon, no horizon). That will make a certain part of your anatomy pucker. I loved the Seasprite!
James Veldhuis, e-mail, 17.11.2010 01:58
Hey if anyone was deployed with HC-1 Det. D (UH-2A) I would love to get in touch with you a friend of my dad's needs to find proof that he was with this detatchment and that he flew combat missions in Vietnam for medical reasons if anyone can help it'd be great
Jane Smith, e-mail, 28.09.2010 18:12
Looking for information about the pilot seats in the UH2-B during the 1967- 1969 period. Did they have any unusual features or armor plate?
schmidt, e-mail, 20.08.2010 16:31
nas lakehurst was hu2 then changed to hc2 in 1965 66
Daren Brown, e-mail, 29.07.2010 21:27
I was an AD over in HSL-37 with the SH-2F seasprite, before they went to the new SH-60B, i was a plane capt. and need to find a designated patch. Kaman had 'em made withthe big k in the center. Can anyone help locate??
Ian Ross, e-mail, 03.04.2010 22:11
I am a UK modeller speciality the US Navy. My favourite heli is the Seasprite. Only two models exist in 1/72 scale I by AIRFIX in UK., i by FUJIMI in Japan, the AIRFIX IS the best. Over 30 years I have built the UH-2A, UH-2B, UH-2C, HH-2C, HH-2D, YSH-2E, and four SH-2F. All by converting the Airfix kit. The early single engined UH-2A & UH-2B required the twin engines removed and a single engine made from MILLIPUT great fun. I am now dreaming of a SH-2G with T700 engines, where to get the engines? The more I learn about the Seasprite the more it appeals. Today I learned what the Fishpole was, a rescue hoist. I have modelled a 150 different models of US NAVY, COAST GUARD, and MARINES aircraft from 1950 to the present day all in 1/72 scale, even used to be in TAILHOOK not many limies in that. Love to hear from any enthusiastic modellers.
Kirk, e-mail, 31.03.2010 00:52
I was attached to HSL-31 (Arch Angels) from 90-92. Anybody out there please contact.
Tom Smith, e-mail, 01.03.2010 15:13
I was an ADJ and Rescue Crewman in HC-2 Lakehurst, NJ 66-69. I was on Det 11 (67) WestPac and Det 38 (69) Med. Flew in UH-2A,B & C models. A great airplane, but required a lot of maintenance.
Joe Fagundes, e-mail, 25.01.2010 18:37
I was one of the first fleet pilots and NATOPS Officer's in HU-1 (Later HC-1) helping write NATOPS Manual. Did a lot of work bringing "B" model to fleet with Kaman test Pilot Ray McMillan.What a great test pilot . Where is he??? Went on the USS Hancock and participated as HAC 3 rescues off Vietnam 1965.
George Arthun, e-mail, 13.12.2009 23:00
I flew both A @ B A/C when stationed at Ream field from 63 to 66. Early on we flew the A/C in the dead man curve to avoid sea spray. Vibration was suspected as a cause for fuel line failure so a change to a race track when flying plane guard was adopted. I built up about 1500 hours flying during two WESPAC tours on the USS Midway.
Mahmood, e-mail, 10.10.2009 10:28
Can any one tell that why Australian Gove cancelled the Seasprite SH 2G (A) contract wat were the technical, logestic or political reasons for this cancelletion
Dave Wiczek, e-mail, 18.07.2009 15:37
I was a crewman in HC-1 from 1967-71. I made two WestPac cruises and most of my flight time was in the UH-2C. I was in aircraft #149767 on 8-10-67 when it crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin. My understanding of this accident was that the rotar blades failed and one broke in flight. Is there anyway to find the official results of what happened and get a copy of the report?
nick, 29.06.2009 23:33
this is a weird heli but im surprised that it is as useful as it is
jack murphy, e-mail, 03.05.2009 08:08
I was stationed eith HC4 1966to1970 and also like to get a model of a UH-2B can anyone help? C
David DeVoe, e-mail, 24.04.2009 02:06
I was stationed at NAS Ream Field in the early 60's and was aircrew in the first of the UH2A's. I worked on them and flew in them. Compared to the HUP's and H34's they were incredible. Powerful, fast and reliable, they made the old recips obsolete overnight. My favorite mission was recovering target drones off St Nicholas Island. Then of course there was always carrier duty to balance it out. Dave
Joe Skrzypek, e-mail, 15.04.2009 19:17
15 April 2009 Need a good picture of the UH-2A/B for a display in San Diego. Contact Phil Poisson at ASAP Joe Skrzypek World Famous HC-7 Helo Pilot 1967-1970
Bud Hill, e-mail, 15.03.2009 23:12
I recently picked up a framed ART PRINT of this aircraft, apparently put out by the Company as a promo. It has a small brass plate at the bottom of the frame inscribed "HU2K-1 KAMAN AIRCRAFT CORP." It will be for sale at QUABOAG ANTIQUES SHOP in Palmer Ma, and perhaps at the BRIMFIELD ANTIQUES SHOW in May. I also have a matching framed art print of the "KAMAN H-43B"
John Birch, e-mail, 02.11.2008 04:06
My father "John Birch" was in the navy 20 years. (I am john junior) He used to fly the HH-2c in viet nam on sar missions off navy destoyers. He was a combat swimmer air crew. He was in HC-7 and is active in their reunions. If anyone may be looking for info about rescue missions, etc involving this aircraft he can be reached at 901-873-2193. I am also looking for a MODEL of a HH-2 that I can get him for Christmas but am looking for the early single engine model. If you can help please email me at jbirch@express.com .
don danielson, e-mail, 11.09.2008 04:01
I flew the UH-2C with HC-1 Det 31 off of the Bonnie Dick in 68 and 69. It was a bit of a problematic aircraft in terms of maintenance and that caused us to transition to the SH-3G. I liked the way it flew, but it scared alot of the crews. It was just too complicated of a control system, what with the flaps on each blade and the automatic blade tracking system that wasn't very reliable.
sunil, e-mail, 04.08.2008 10:15
I’m a new recruitment in the helicopter industry. Can someone please give me a list of SAR helicopter equipments for offshore mission.
Steve Diamant, e-mail, 27.07.2008 02:33
How was the MK-46 attached to the Seasprite? Were lugs used such as on the drop tanks or were they attached with straps?
William Owens AD3, e-mail, 19.06.2008 06:03
I was in HSL-34 Det-2 beteew 78-81. Like to hear from the guys.
Jerry Place, e-mail, 09.03.2008 03:46
I was a crewman with HC-1,SAR aboard the Enterprise in nam.We used the UH-2A and Uh2B. Love the bird!!!
LeRoy Wolf, e-mail, 18.02.2008 17:04
I was with a SAR unit in Vietnam and we used a Sea Sprite. It flew off of a DLG(guided missle frigate. We rescued a crew of an F-4 in Oct. of 1967 about 5 miles inland in North Vietnam. I have been wondering if they made it through the war. The pilot's call sign was "Red Baron.
Lee Bennett, e-mail, 25.11.2007 22:14
I would love to have a source for a UH-2A/B, C or D Seasprite model. thanks.
Norm Urban, e-mail, 12.11.2007 18:42
I flew one of few UH-2Bs operated by the U.S. Marine Corps as the SAR bird at MCAS Cherry Point in 1967. It was fully IFR.
The UH-2B was a GREAT SAR helo. Turbine powered, retractable gear, dropable aux tanks, a main rotor with blades controlled by little ailerons which allowed blade tracking adjustments in flight, a built in loudspeaker, retractable hoist and even more unique, the "Fishpole".
The Fishpole was an electro/hydraulic pole with a fitting on the end. For a hoist extraction, the hoist cable was run through the fishpole eye. The fishpole then took the hoist hook into the pilot's field of vision, from where it was lowered to the ground or water. This allowed the pilot to position the hook exactly where he wanted it. No Forward, Back, Left, Right, Up, Down, Steady verbal direction from the Crew Chief was necessary. This was especially valuable in a hover over water, where the pilot has no visual cues to movement.
Jessie Bihm, e-mail, 24.10.2007 04:47
Thanks for your great work! Will there be any US variants? Also and update 3d cockpit?
Bill Keller, e-mail, 25.07.2007 23:58
I flew both UH-2 a and b aircraft. Was stationed at NAS Lakehurst NJ, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4. Your article says the B model was not IFR equipped. All the Bravo's I flew and all the B's in HC-4 were totally IFR capable. Some of the differences between the A & B were a much improved liquid spring on the B landing gear, improved fuel control unit on the T-58. As I recall the B versions had a Doppler option that the A did not. Nice write up on a great helicopter!
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