Today in WW II: 1 Jul 1942 First Battle of El Alamein began, stopping Rommel's advance to Cairo [1-27 July].  More ↓
1 Jul 1943 US Women's Army Corps [WAC] established by Congress.
1 Jul 1945 Occupation forces from the US Britain and France enter Soviet-occupied Berlin.
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Sikorsky HH-52 Sea Guard Helicopter

The Coast Guard acquired 99 of the Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard helicopters, beginning in July 1962, and retired the last one in service 12 September 1989, replaced by the HH-65A Dolphin. During its long service, the HH-52A Sea Guard was the Coast Guard’s primary short-range, search and rescue helicopter.

The HH-52A was the military version of the Sikorsky Model S-62, the first turbine-powered helicopter to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Agency. The HH-52A had a watertight boat-hull fuselage making it capable of water landings and takeoffs, a key factor for the Coast Guard in selecting the aircraft.

HH-52 Sea Guard Specifications and Performance

Rotor diameter 53 ft.
Length 44 ft. 7 in.
Height 14 ft. 2 in.
Width 15 ft.
Weight 8,100 lb. max
Armament None
Engine 1,050 shp GE T58-GE-6 turboshaft
Maximum speed 120 mph
Cruising speed 92 mph
Range 350 mi.
Service ceiling 15,700 ft.

Personnel tie down the blades of a Coast Guard HH-52 Sea Guard helicopter, as protection from high winds at an Argentine station, 1 April 1983. Under a 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the U.S. is providing transportation to scientists from this station.
Personnel tie down the blades of a Coast Guard HH-52 Sea Guard helicopter, as protection from high winds at an Argentine station, 1 April 1983. Under a 1959 Antarctic Treaty, the U.S. is providing transportation to scientists from this station.

A Coast Guard Grumman HU-16E Albatross (left) and a Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard in March, 1964, probably at Air Station Mobile. For over 30 years, these amphibious aircraft were the workhorses of the Coast Guard's air fleet.
A Coast Guard Grumman HU-16E Albatross (left) and a Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard in March, 1964, probably at Air Station Mobile. For over 30 years, these amphibious aircraft were the workhorses of the Coast Guard's air fleet.

HH-52A Sea Guard lands on board the USCGC Westwind during flight operations in Gravesend Bay, NY, 6 March 1964
HH-52A Sea Guard lands on board the USCGC Westwind during flight operations in Gravesend Bay, NY, 6 March 1964.