Armada says farewell to the Sea King

On 27 June 2022, after almost 56 years of service, the Flotilla de Aeronaves de la Armada (FLOAN, Spanish Naval Air Arm) said farewell to the Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King operated by 5 escuadrilla (Eslla 005) at Rota Naval Station.

The Sea King is replaced by the Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk helicopters, deliveries of this helicopter started in 2020. So far, four aircraft have been delivered to Eslla 010, which also operates the SH-60B Seahawk.

The final two SH-3H Sea Kings, serials HS.9-08/01-508 and HS.9-14/01-514, performed some flypasts and received a water salute before turning down their engines for the very last time.

First deliveries of the Sea King were made in 1966 and the helicopter was used in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role. In 1987, the Armada purchased four Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems of which three were mounted on modified Sea Kings. This system provided the Armada with the important early warning capability thanks to the "SEARCHWATER" radar installed.

In 2001, a modernisation plan was started to adapt the Sea Kings to tactical troop transport missions. Thus began the transition from the ASW role to a new type of mission, amphibious assault. Sea King 01-514 was the the first of seven helicopters to complete the conversion.

In total, the Armada operated eighteen Sea Kings, of which seven were written off. It is possible that the SH-60Fs will be transferred to Eslla 005, but that has not been confirmed.

Photo by Jesus Marin via Diario de Cadiz