Sikorsky Aircraft designed the all-weather SH-3 SeaKing family of helicopters primarily for a ship-based anti-submarine warfare mission. The Seaking could carry both SONAR detection equipment and a variety of weapons used to attack submarines. It also performed admirably in anti-ship surveillance, search and rescue, cargo and personnel transport, communications, and airborne early warning roles.

SH-3's were the primary astronaut recovery helicopter for all Gemini and Apollo space missions. SeaKings served with the U.S. Navy from 1961 until 2006.