After 55-year service, legendary Sea King 42B helicopter squadron retires

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy officially retired its legendary Sea King Bravo helicopter fleet and “number plated” the historic Indian Naval Air Squadron 330 (INAS 330) on Sunday after over five decades of service.Called the “Flying Frigates”, which were operated by INAS 330 “Harpoons” squadron, Sea King Mk 42B completed their final ceremonial flight from INS Shikra, the Western Naval Command base in Colaba, Mumbai. However, other configurations of Sea King helicopters will continue to operate in the Indian Navy.Armed with advanced torpedoes, depth charges and missiles, Sea King helicopters were used by the Navy for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions and search-and-rescue operations.Commissioned on April 17, 1971, at INS Garuda, Kochi, under the command of Commander MP Wadhawan, INAS 330 has been one of the most distinguished and decorated squadrons in the Indian Navy. It saw extensive service during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The first multi-role helicopter landed on an Indian aircraft carrier (INS Vikrant) on July 26, 1971.Over its 55-year tenure, the ‘Harpoons’ built a reputation for valour, earning a staggering 22 Nausena Medals. INAS 330, which operated roughly 6 to 8 Sea King helicopters at any given time, has been officially decommissioned. The remaining Sea King helicopters will undergo a shift in their role. Instead of being scrapped, the retired airframes will serve two specific roles: Stripped of combat systems, they will serve as utility transport helicopters (referred to as ‘Barlies’) and be used as test beds for ongoing sensor or weapon trials, like for Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM).The Indian Navy is now modernising its rotary fleet with newer platforms like Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters.