The MH-60S Sierra, nicknamed Knighthawk after the CH-46 Sea Knight it replaced, combined fleet-support lift with mine-warfare duties. Helicopter systems handle only certain mine categories, so a dedicated mine-warfare vessel will probably still be needed against the broader range of modern mines. Humanitarian supplies lifted from USNS Comfort illustrate its transport role. Claims about whether Romeo or Sierra received a glass cockpit first depend on the definition: Romeo had an early version, while Sierra received a later, fuller implementation. The Sierra's fuselage departed from the original SH-60B airframe, with changes to its landing gear and cabin-door arrangement. It could operate from carriers, assault ships, command ships, and combat-support vessels. That range of operating platforms gave it transport and support work throughout the fleet.
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MH-60S Sierra and Knighthawk fleet support
The MH-60S replaced the CH-46 Sea Knight in lift and support duties, using a later glass cockpit and a distinct H-60 airframe across carriers, assault ships, command ships, and combat-support vessels.