The U.S. Air Force developed the Sikorsky HH-3E helicopter, nicknamed the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) to recover downed Airmen during the Southeast Asia War. A highly modified version of Sikorsky's CH-3 transport,

The large green airframe of the HH-53B earned it the nickname "Super Jolly Green Giant". This name is a reference to the smaller HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant", a stretched variant of the H-3 Sea King, used in the Vietnam War for combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) operations.

Apr 8, 2023 · For U.S.A.F. aircrews shot down over hostile territory during the war in Vietnam, the HH-3E was a big green angel. Sikorsky developed the turbine-powered S-61 in 1957 to replace the piston-driven H-34. The original mission was antisubmarine duties for the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Sikorsky HH-3E helicopter, nicknamed the "Jolly Green Giant," to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) to recover downed Airmen during the Southeast Asia War.

Apr 28, 2023 · A U.S. Air Force Sikorsky HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter seen from the gunner's position in a helicopter of the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Vietnam, October 1972.

LCDR Joseph L. “Jay” Crowe USCG was one of the Coast Guard Aviators that flew with the Air Force 37th ARRS Squadron Jolly Greens. At the completion of his tour, he wrote a descriptive Vietnam After Action Report requested by RADM J W Moreau.

Jolly Green Giant crews serving during the war were awarded over 190 Silver Stars, 24 Air Force Crosses (three to Air Force Academy graduates) and one Medal of Honor. This display HH-3E helicopter, built by Sikorsky, carried rescue crews during the Vietnam War.

JOLLY GREEN GIANT: The HH-53’s predecessor, the Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant, touches down in the tall grass during rescue training in South Vietnam. Initially a principal rescue helicopter for the U.S. Air Force, the HH-3 was phased out and replaced by the larger and more powerful Super Jolly.

The HH-3E helicopter was a rescue ship used by Americans in the Vietnam War mainly for recovering downed pilots. The helicopter is historically nicknamed the "Jolly Green Giant".

They were redesignated HH-3Es and used extensively in Vietnam under the name Jolly Green Giant. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center was responsible for all program and logistics support for the USAF H-3 fleet worldwide.