To 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 comprehensive database for all 250 USMC HRS-1, HRS-2, and HRS-3 helicopters. 

Most HRS's were assigned to many Marine and Navy squadrons during their careers and therefore had many different markings.  The database pages (link on left) currently contain 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 be done through photographs, personal logbook entries, and through personal recall. Can you help?  If so, please email the webmaster via the link on the left.

Capt. Roy Thorson and Sikorsky HRS-2, BuNo 130153, at Dallas NAS on a ferry flight from the factory at Bridgeport, CT. to MCAF Santa Ana, CA., Aug. 15, 1952.
In Loving Memory: Maj. Roy N. Thorson, USMCR
December 27, 1923 - January 21, 2009
About the Database
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Updated 1/30/2013
WHY THE INTEREST?
 
My father, Roy N. Thorson, was a PBJ (B-25) pilot during WWII. When recalled for Korea in April 1951 he volunteered for and became 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.  This site is dedicated to them.