FLYBY 1963 - THE SEA KING
55 Years and 550,000 Hours of Dedicated Service
The CH-124 Sikorsky Sea King has a legacy unlike any other RCAF aircraft. Over the last five decades, the maritime helicopter has revolutionized the concept of air support for naval forces.
The first Sea King arrived in Shearwater, Nova Scotia, in 1963 when the RCN purchased a fleet of 41 Sea Kings during the Cold War. Introduced to counter the newer, faster Soviet nuclearpowered submarines, the Sea King proved itself to be more than capable in ASW. During its tenure, modifications and upgrades included radar, GPS, tactical navigation computers, acoustic detection equipment, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), homing torpedoes and, most notably, it’s innovative “Beartrap” system.
Following the Cold War, the Sea King became a multi-purpose maritime helicopter and earned its reputation as one of Canada’s hardest-working aircraft. Its crews have flown an incredible 550,000 hours on operations around the world, including in Somalia, the Persian Gulf, Timor-Leste, the Adriatic, Haiti and Libya. Domestically, Sea Kings have contributed to SAR, disaster relief, counter-narcotic operations and fisheries and pollution patrols.
When the venerable chopper was retired in 2018, RCAF Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger acknowledged a widespread appreciation for the aircraft and its crew: “No other fleet has served as long as the Sea King and its 55 years of service are a monument not only to its durability and capability, but to the men and women who operated, maintained and supported this incredible helicopter.” Having operated from the aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure, St. Laurent-class destroyer escorts, Iroquois-class destroyers and auxiliary oiler replenishment supply ships, the Sea King was replaced by the CH-148 Cyclone as the RCAF’s principle shipborne helicopter.
Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator
Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators use advanced electronic sensor systems on board long-range patrol aircraft, maritime helicopters, SAR aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft. Their missions include underwater warfare, above-water warfare, ISR and SAR.
“I’m Master Corporal Johanna Flawn from Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. I’m an Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator at 406 Squadron in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. The biggest thing with the helicopter being on the ship is that it is an extension. We’re there to find submarines, ships, do search and rescue if need be. And we also just get to do a lot of really cool stuff. When you’re chasing a submarine and you’ve done countless exercises, simulations and training to work towards that moment, it’s just a giant game of hide-and-seek and when you find them, you win. Flying off the back of a ship is the most exhilarating portion of being a sensor operator, as well as being able to go out on missions that have specific things you have to accomplish and getting home as a crew after accomplishing that.”
Johanna Flawn
Master Corporal – Royal Canadian Air Force
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the RCAF Foundation for granting permission to feature imagery and stories that help preserve and share the legacy of Canada’s aviation and defence community. Discover the full story through the RCAF Foundation’s newest book Pathways To The Stars – 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force: Link Here
Banner image: 12 Wing Shearwater personnel, 423 Maritime Helicopter, and 12 Air Maintenance Squadron commemorate the Sea King’s 50th anniversary.
Images provided by: RCAF Foundation