Ubon was a major air base for the USAF and its allies during the Vietnam War. After the war it continued as a Thai air force base and a civilian airport. 62-5978 was withdrawn from use at Clark air force base, Philippines, in 1974. Photo by Kevin Kerle.

Another view of the Kaman Huskie fireguard with its intermeshing rotors at the Open Day

Fire guard at the 1970 Armed Forces Day at Upper Heyford

HH-43B Huskie of 40 ARRW's Detachment 12 at Mildenhall.

The USAF used the Huskie primarily for crash rescue and aircraft fire-fighting. This example is one of approximately 175 Bs purchased and it established seven world records in 1961-1962 for helicopters in its class; for rate of climb, altitude and distance travelled. It was assigned to rescue duty with Detachment 3, 42nd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Kirtland Air Force, NM, prior to its retirement and display at the National Museum of the USAF in April 1973.

This is a composite Kaman HOK-1. The major part of the airframe is from 129801 but the boom and tail assembly is from 125530 - hence the markings. Ex USMC, the h/c was badly damaged in the Tornado of October 3, 1979 and is now stored.

Huskies were a familiar sight at US bases during the Vietnam era, standing by for fire and rescue duties. These days of course I'd wait for the passers-by behind, but adds a touch of period fashion here! Although this "Pedro" is no longer extant, 62-4535 which also served 40 ARRS is the care of the Midland Air Museum

One of four rescue Huskies operated by the RTAF between 1963 and 1994, the identity of one shown here is really H5-2/05, formerly USAF 60-0291

This rescue helicopter was formerly displayed at Travis AFB, CA. The Huskie was notable for its intermeshing wooden rotors and was extensively used in Vietnam for recovery missions, and later for airbase fire-crash duties, known by the callsign "Pedro". Around 250 were built of which about a dozen have been preserved

US Marines OH-43D previously with VMO-6 Squadron in storage among the cactus in 1973 at the yet to be opened Pima museum.

Huskie operated by the 40 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron's Detachment 2 based at RAF Lakenheath. Military Airlift Command's badge is on the rear fuselage side.

With intermeshing rotors, long chimney and quadruple tailfins, the Huskie or 'Pedro' saw widespread use as a rescue helicopter. According to some sources this HH-43B was converted to an HH-43F.