Overall Vietnam War Navy/Marine Corps Helicopter Loss Data
Author-CAPT Bill “Huggies” Hughes, USN (Ret.)
12,000 helos in Vietnam
5,607 helos lost in Vietnam
40,000 helo pilots served in Vietnam
2,165 helo pilots killed
2,712 crewmembers killed
Overall Navy Vietnam Aircraft Data
21 carriers served
86 wartime deployments
9,174 carrier days on the line
542 aircraft lost in combat and 329 operational losses
401 aviators killed, 64 missing, 179 POWs
Overall Marine Corps Vietnam Aircraft Data
193 lost fixed wing and 270 helicopters in combat
400 total rotary wing lost; 800 helicopter pilots, aircrew and passengers lost
HAL-3 Sea Wolves Overview
March 1967 – March 1972
Quick reaction, Seal and Riverine Support, Recon, Medical Evacuation
140 overall aircraft, 40 operational at any given time, 40 aircraft written off
500 personnel; 3,500 total personal assigned 1967-1972
44 pilots and aircrew killed, 200 wounded/injured
Most decorated squadron: 5 NC, 31 SS, 219 DFC, 156 PH
HC-7 Sea Devils Overview
1967-1975
Coastal Search & Rescue, CSAR over land and water, logistics, Vertrep
150 rescues including 130 in combat zone
6 helicopters lost; 1 in combat; 1 personnel lost
Other Navy Helicopter Losses in Vietnam
SH-2 12 lost, 0 lost in combat,
SH-3 20 lost, 8 lost in combat
UH-1 40 written off, 44 killed