Sikorsky’s HO3S design was the first naval helicopter to see widespread service beginning in December 1945. Its ability to hover and operate from a variety of ships led to the HO3S being the first helicopter to supplant a fixed wing aircraft when it replaced catapult floatplanes on battleships and cruisers. In the Korean War, HO3S helicopters from squadron HU-1 demonstrated the potential of the helicopter in a naval warfare environment. Today, the design is famous for its portrayal in the feature film “The Bridges at Toko-Ri” starring William Holden and Mickey Rooney.