The CH-53 Sea Stallion (U.S. Air Force designation HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant) was developed under Sikorsky’s S-65 program, the prototype first flew in 1964.
U.S. Marines pile out of their CH-53A, to begin a search and destroy operation 17 miles southeast of Phu Bai, Viet Nam, 18NOV1967. The Vietnam era workhorse continues to serve and support the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as other countries including Iran.
The Imperial Iranian Navy bought, and received, six RH-53Ds just before the Revolution. Apparently the RH vs CH designation denotes U.S. Navy (USN) vs U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) use of the Sea Stallion, the USN and Imperial Iran Navy using them primarily as minesweepers.
Iran ‘acquired’ five intact U.S. Marine CH-53Ds (former U.S. Navy RH-53Ds) due to the failed Eagle Claw operation, and has been able to get parts through international weapons dealers.
Fars News Agency photo by Hassan Mousavi.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy continues to upgrade the Sea Stallion, because they love it!
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Michaela R. Gregory.
CH-53E Super Stallion during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, Yuma, Arizona, April 2017:
USMC photo by Lance Corporal Michaela R. Gregory.
Another video:
USMC photo Lance Corporal Clare J. Shaffer.
USMC photo Corporal Trever A. Statz.
USMC photo Corporal Trever A. Statz.
USMC photo by Lance Corporal Clare J. Shaffer.
VEHICLE I-D: AH-1Z USMC FARP