24 Sept 2021

USAF / 76th ARRS / HH-53C / Jolly Green Giant

This particular patch is difficult to find, likely owing to its short-lived existence and it only having 12 pilots and 6 FE's assigned to the HH-53's. It shares a historical thread with the 54th ARRS, both of which provided support for the NASA Skylab missions.

76th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Hickam AFB, Hawaii 
Full Colour
Mid 1973-Aug 1976
The 76th ARRS  operated the HC-130, but in 1972, crews were arriving at the Squadron which would add the HH-53. The arrival of the Jolly Green Giants took place in the middle of 1973, aiding the NASA Skylab missions. Skylab's inaugural launch occurred in May 1973, followed by three subsequent missions to the orbital laboratory, concluding with the departure of the Skylab 3 crew in February 1974. Operating as a 'sister' Squadron, the 54th ARRS oversaw the Atlantic Ocean from Peace and Loring AFB's, while the 76th handled duties over the Pacific Ocean.

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