To its builder, Sikorsky Aircraft, it was the Model S-55.

To the Army and the USAF, it was the H-19.

To the Navy and the Coast Guard, the H04S.

To the Marines, it was known as the HRS.

 

WELCOME TO THE USMC SIKORSKY HRS DATABASE HOMEPAGE

           H (helicopter) R (transport) S (Sikorsky)

 

The goal is to compile a database for all 250 USMC HRS-1, HRS-2, and HRS-3 helicopters by attaching a squadron identifier (e.g., HR-4, HP-8) to a specific Bureau Number. Most HRS's were assigned to many Marine (and Navy) squadrons during their careers and therefore carried many different markings.

 

The database pages (click link on the left) currently have hundreds of photographs of HRS's in operation with the USMC, USN, USCG, foreign forces, and in civilian use.  

Eleven Marine transport squadrons operated the HRS:

 

HMR-161, -162, -163, -261, -262, -263, -361, -362, -363, HMX-1 and HMR(L)-264 .

 

Compiling this data can only readily be done through photographs, personal logbook entries, and through accurate personal recall. Can you help?  If so, please email the webmaster via the link on the left.

WHY THE INTEREST?

 

My father, Roy N. Thorson, was a PBJ (B-25) pilot during WWII. When recalled for Korea in April 1951, he transitioned to rotor-wing, becoming the 523rd Naval helicopter pilot. He flew the HRS at Marine Corps Air Facility, Santa Ana with HMR-162, MAMS-16, and HMR-163 until April 1953. These Marines were a unique breed of pioneers; testing and proving the tactic of vertical envelopment and operations from aircraft carriers.