Helo History Honoring a Naval Aviation Legend
By LT Tyler “Waterboy” Hunt, USN and LT Rosalyn “TOTS” Lopez, USN
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f you were to visit the squadron spaces at HSM-40 and make your way through the second floor passageway, you would find yourself amidst a mini-museum of sorts; we have termed this our “Historic Hallway.” HSM-40’s Historic Hallway spans over 100 years of aviation history, from the first helicopter prototypes and flight in the early 1900s to the incorporation and use of Naval helicopters in every major U.S. military conflict up to the present. It also provides a glimpse into how the Navy has changed from the establishment of its first helicopter squadron, Helicopter Utility Squadron One (HU-1), through the years. From HS, HAL, HM, HSL, and now, HSC and HSM, our latest and proudest addition to this display is dedicated to the late CAPT Richard S. “Robbie” Roberts, USN (Ret.). CAPT Roberts was not only a legend among Naval Aviators, but also a pioneer among helicopter pilots. He earned his Wings of Gold in 1939 and was already flying fixed wing pre-war patrols in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. On the third day of the Second World War, Roberts’s plane didn’t get more than 50 feet off the runway before being shot down by a Japanese fighter. Miraculously, he managed to keep the aircraft under control before landing the seaplane onto the surface of the ocean. Robbie and his crew managed to repair the damage to the plane, get it back in flight, and return to base. Though this may be a small glimpse into his contributions in the Pacific Theater, he continued to demonstrate the same level of ingenuity, patriotism, and skill in every other major naval battle in the war. After the war, the Navy transitioned from seaplanes to helicopters and Robbie became an accomplished helicopter pilot while these aircraft were still in their experimental phase. He went on to command the first heavy lift helicopter squadron (HUP-1) and was instrumental in pioneering tactics and doctrine that are still in use to this day. He retired from the Navy on December 1, 1963 after more than 25 years of honorable service. His personal military decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat V, three Air Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, among others. In March of 2021, the Naval Helicopter Association recognized Robbie as the oldest living Naval helicopter pilot at 107 years old. His flight logs reflect 4,853 hours in 51 different aircraft. The Ready Room and pilots of HSM-40 developed a close connection with Robbie, not only because of his legendary sea stories and contributions to naval helicopter aviation, but also because in April of 2021, HSM-40 flew into Orlando, FL to present CAPT Roberts with the Naval Helicopter Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Robbie peacefully passed away later that year on 13 August. With the support of HSM-74, HSM-40 staff performed a ‘missing man’ formation during his funeral services in Bushnell, FL. The items that comprise his display were donated to the HSM-40 Ready Room by his family shortly thereafter and include a photo of his 1939 Naval Aviator winging ceremony, his logbook, his flight jacket, and various awards and medals he received over his career. In honor of Robbie, HSM-40 had a custom Airwolf dress flight suit made and incorporated. It can sometimes be easy to get lost in the daily life of a squadron and to lose sight of the sacrifice and service of those who have paved our way. It was both an honor and a privilege to take a pause and work on a project such as this. The pilots of HSM40 are proud to be able to honor Robbie’s legacy for future generations of helicopter aviators to come. CAPT Roberts shows his Lifetime Member Coin
Rotor Review #156 Spring '22
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View the video and images of CAPT Roberts' career at https://www. navalhelicopterassociation.org/
