Super Pumas Unveiled at LGB

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Aero Bureau unveiled it's new Super Puma helicopters at Long Beach Airport this week.

AS 332L1 Super Puma

It's the LASD's latest crime-fighting and life-saving tool. The AS 332L1 Super Puma helicopters will be used for several tasks including search-and-rescue missions, SWAT insertions and extractions, homeland security support, and personnel support after natural disasters.

SH-3H Sea King

The new helicopter replaces the aging former United States Navy Sikorsky SH-3H Sea Kings currently in operation. With parts for the Sea Kings getting more expensive, maintenance for the Super Puma is expected to be easier to support. Once delivered the Super Pumas will be upgraded with external hoists, nose mounted forward-looking infrared cameras, (a first on a Department rescue helicopter), night-vision compatible cockpits, multi-patient medical interiors and various other airframe modifications specific to the Aero Bureau's requriements.

The Super Pumas which are sleeker and faster in design than the Sea Kings have the added personal touch as each of the three helicopters will be given a custom tail number to honor LASD personnel.

Ship 1. N950SG SG, Sewell Griggers, First Captain LASD Aero Bureau

Ship 2. N952JH JH, Deputy James Harrell, Emergency Services Detail Paramedic

Ship 3. N951LB LB, LA County Sheriff, Leroy Baca

Other guests to the event included: