Our Travels: UH 3 H Helicopter Museum.

UH 3 H Helicopter Museum.

Andhra Pradesh Government and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). Had conceived a very ambitious plan to transform an ordinary Rama Krishna Beach Road, RK Road for short, into a world-class tourist attraction.

The Indian Navy has played a stellar role in turning that vision into reality. The Indian Navy brought its decommissioned war machines, which in their heyday had served valiantly in defending the sovereignty of the Nation, to Visakhapatnam, disassembled them in the Naval Station, and transported them to RK Road and reassembled them on the land allotted to create four magnificent museums with these war machines as their respective themes.

Thanks to the Indian Navy, today, RK Road is a world-class and a must-visit tourist attraction of Visakhapatnam.

UH3H Museum is one of the four Naval Museums. It is dedicated to the Sikorsky UH3H Helicopter.

This Helicopter type was inducted into the Indian Navy Aviation Squadron 350 in 2009. The unit was located in the Indian naval ship Dega at Visakhapatnam Airport. The Helicopter was christened “Saaras”, an Indian crane, embodying strength, grace, and vigilance. A reminder of the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the nation. The mighty Saras also forms the crest of 350 Squadron.

As in the other three museums where real war machines, viz, A Submarine, a TU 142 and a Sea Harrier Fighter Aircraft, are displayed, in the UH3H museum, a very well-maintained UH3H Helicopter is on display.

However, unlike the other two aircraft museums, the Saaras Museum has almost no spares or any of the major or minor helicopter parts on display. This shortcoming, if it can be called as such, is more than made up by the huge and extensive photographic and descriptive boards mounted throughout the museum.

These boards, photographs, and narrative trace the history of UH3H, Saaras Helicopter, from the first time when it operated on an Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa in 2007 till the year 2024 when it was decommissioned from the Indian Naval Aviation wing after rendering yeoman service for thirty-four-odd years of long service in various roles, such as in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, its advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities and tactical support were vital during natural disasters, often making the difference between despair and relief, and saving countless lives and its contribution to security of offshore installations and special operations.

These boards with their photographs and narratives speak volumes about the historical sense and perspective of the Indian Navy in general and Number 350 squadron in particular. Hats off to them for maintaining such a meticulous record of the life of Saaras in the Indian Navy.

A wonderful experience.

For more comprehensive information about Saras checkout the photocaptions.

UH 3 H Museum Vishakhapatnam.

Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter that had been part of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) for the past two decades, and now a decommissioned Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter. This helicopter was inducted into the INAS 350 Squadron and christened ‘Saaras’ on March 24, 2009, at INS Dega.

It was decommissioned on June 28, 2024.

The helicopter was disassembled at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, transported to the site and assembled again.

This displays, through its various panels gives complete history of Sikorsky

UH-3H-"SAARAS", including the photographs of the helicopter.

Throughout its life in the Indian Navy. A commendable effort in 'history' preservation.

Copy of the text of one of the panels

UH-3H-"SAARAS" is produced below.

The aircraft was named after the Indian crane, Saras, embodying strength, grace, and vigilance. A reminder of the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the nation

Brought to Indian shores in 2007 along with INS Jalashwa, the UH-3H helicopter was inducted into the Indian Navy on 24 Mar 2009 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.

This versatile helicopter played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, security of offshore installations and special operations. Its advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities and tactical support were vital during natural disasters, often making the difference between despair and relief, and saving countless lives. The mighty 'SAARAS' adorns the squadron crest, embodying the motto "Strength, Valour and perseverance." The Helicopter diligently upheld its commitment, maintaining a vigilant watch and ensuring the security of our nation's maritime boundaries with unwavering dedication.

UH-3H helicopter soared into the Indian sky as a symbol of unwavering strength, resilience, and unyielding service.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, the helicopter found its second home in India, where it quickly earned a reputation as a lifesaver in most of the challenging missions. Its induction into the Indian Navy in 2007 marked the beginning of a legendary chapter - one filled with daring rescues, heroic operations, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian cases.

In March 2009, the Indian Navy formally commissioned its first operational squadron of UH-3H, INAS 350, into service. helicopter immediately demonstrated its versatility by performing Search and Rescue (SAR) and HADR missions, over land and sea, where its heavy-lifting capability proved indispensable.

The capability to navigate stormy seas and rescue those in peril, the UH-3H "Saaras" became more than just a machine; it became a lifeline, bringing hope to those in their moments of despair. Whether battling cyclones, evacuating stranded civilians, or delivering vital relief, the "SAARAS" truly embodied the Navy's motto "Sham No Tunah" (May the Lord of the Sea Be Auspicious Unto Us) and lived up to its legacy of saving lives and bridging the gap between despair and hope.

Another display, " Walk of the King of the Legend" showing the history, how it progressed through the years 2009 to 2024, in the service of the Indian Navy of the Uh3H helicopter squadron.