Aviation Photo #1695609 Sikorsky RH-53D Sea Stallion (S-65A) - USA - Navy

30 years ago on 24 April 1980 USA attempted to rescue 52 Americans from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in Eagle Claw Operation. The attempt was aborted when 3 RH-53D helicopters (Repainted in sand camouflage) were damaged by a sandstorm in Tabas deserts. As the U.S. force prepared to leave Iran, a refueling accident led to the remaining helicopters and a C-130 Hercules refueling aircraft being destroyed or left behind, and the deaths of eight Americans.