For civilian mariners in desperate peril, salvation at sea can be the sound and sight of a rescue helicopter.

In June 2024, U.S. Navy aircrews flying MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters rescued 22 mariners after two commercial vessels were attacked by Houthis in the southern Red Sea and adjacent Gulf of Aden.

A central player in Yemen’s civil war, the Houthis used an unmanned surface vessel to damage and then sink motor vessel Tutor, a coal carrier enroute to India. A day later, Houthis launched anti-ship cruise missiles that struck the cargo ship Verbena bound for Italy.

Into this challenging and complex operational environment, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN FOUR (HSM-74) operating with the Eisenhower carrier strike group answered the calls for help.

Operating from surface combatants as an integrated part of the US Navy’s ship-air team, the MH-60R serves as the “eyes and ears” of the fleet.

On June 13, an HSM-74 MH-60R aircraft from the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea medically evacuated a severely injured civilian mariner from Verbena.

Using the MH-60R’s advanced sensor and communications suite, the crew built the maritime picture for embarked Navy leaders in the task force while enroute to the distressed vessel.

Given motor vessel Verbena had no flight deck or suitable landing pad, the aviation team determined the rescue litter hoist would occur between two amidship cargo cranes spaced approximately 70 feet apart. 

The pilot at the controls expertly guided the helicopter into a 20-foot hover between the bow and mid-ships kingposts. A crew member lowered to the deck guided the helicopter into position to receive the rescue litter.

The injured mariner was evacuated to a partner navy ship for life-saving medical treatment.

Civilian mariners deplane aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier following an at sea rescue by HSM-74 aircrews in the Red Sea.

The June 12 attack on the Tutor killed one crewmember and resulted in catastrophic damage to the vessel’s propulsion system.

Following recovery from the Verbena rescue, HSM-74 maintenance crews aboard the Philippine Sea quickly reconfigured the cabin of an MH-60R aircraft to fit seven survivors, two aircrewman and a rescue basket.

Once the Philippine Sea was in range on June 14, the aircrew flew at low altitude through Houthi-threatened airspace to the stricken ship. A crewmember lowered to the deck assessed the situation was safe, then began hoisting the first seven survivors onboard.

Because the ship’s landing pad was rated for small helicopters, the aircraft had to maintain a 10-foot hover. That’s when piloting skills truly came into play. While hoisting the fourth survivor, the aircrew had to adapt to the hot, humid environment by alternating hover altitudes between 2-3 feet and 10 feet to better manage engine power limitations.

After completing the first rescue sortie, the MH-60R returned to the Philippine Sea to drop off the survivors, conduct a crew swap and refuel the helicopter. Two more rescue sorties were performed for a total of 21 sailors saved by HSM-74. To prevent the need for a night-time rescue, the U.S. Navy provided security overwatch for a NATO ally ship’s helicopter to lift an additional three survivors.

Tutor sank on 18 June.

During a December 2024 ceremony at Stratford, Connecticut, Sikorsky President Rich Benton presented each HSM-74 aircrew member with a Sikorsky Winged-S rescue award.

“On behalf of all Sikorsky employees, I thank you — the “Swamp Foxes” of HSM-74 — and your families for your dedicated service,” said Benton.

“You selflessly answered the call to serve, and expertly operated your Seahawk helicopter under challenging conditions so that others may live. Your high standard, and your legacy, will continue to inspire future generations of search and rescue teams. Congratulations.”

“So That Others May Live” - Navy aircrews are recognized for their expertise and lifesaving dedication for the June 2024 rescues in the Red Sea.

Initiated in 1950, the Winged-S Rescue Award honors individuals who directly perform a lifesaving rescue flying a Sikorsky helicopter.

In 2023, more than 3,000 aircrew received a Winged-S award for lives saved using Sikorsky helicopters.

US Navy MH-60R aircrews epitomize the motto “Be Prepared” as they regularly train for search and rescue operations.