A popular spot in Fairfield was recognized for its significance in aviation history Friday.

Penfield Reef was designated as a Vertical Flight Heritage Site for being the site of the world's first successful helicopter hoist water rescue during a storm in 1945.

The recognition came from Vertical Flight Society and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.

"At the time, people saw them as a gimmick, they're complicated, they're not really that useful. Penfield Reef was one of the first domestic instances we proved for a fact without a doubt that helicopters are cemented in serving for public good and saving lives," says Angelo Collins, the society's executive director.

Organizers say vertical hoists are still used for water rescues.

As a tribute, a hovered one of their Black Hawk helicopters over the reef.