An OH-58 Kiowa

And sometimes you see things you don't expect to see.  As I was taking my final pictures of the next ship, I heard the sound of a helicopter and looked up.  Fortunately, I had my other lens at that point and didn't need to switch it around.

 The helicopter in question is an OH-58 Kiowa.  I'm not sure if this particular one is based out of somewhere or is a model that someone bought to look like the Army version.  It is pretty cool to see one that as I don't get to see much military traffic around here.

In the 1960's, the Army was looking for a light observation helicopter to go with the Huey.  Out of 12 manufacturers, the Bell design was the one that ultimately got the contract.  The design first went into production in 1966 and ended in 1989.

I believe they are still in service in the US, Australia, Austria, Taiwan, Dominican Republic and Saudi Arabia.  They have a top speed of 120 knots and can carry various weapons.  However, I believe they are mostly used to locate targets for the more powerful helicopters.