<article><hdr>Aerial shot of a Sikorski H-19 over water</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The H-19 was the military version of the Sikorski S-55, with five pre production versions obtained for evaluation, prior to production orders being placed. The H-19A was obtained in 1951 with 50 being obtained, and was followed by the H-19B (illustrated) with a more powerful engine. The main operator was the Military Air Transport Service whose Air Rescue Squadrons operated the HH-19 at sites in the USA and overseas. Others were assigned for localised utility tasks with various Commands before being retired during the sixties and early seventies. The helicopter was assigned the name Chickasaw in keeping with the Army practice of allocating Indian tribal names to its helicopters.</hi>
