The latest Fl-depending Valiant Heavens Command Art gallery has additional the newest You.S. Navy’s big MH-53E Ocean Dragon to their range.
Into Oct sixteen, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 embarked into the a critical mission so you’re able to Titusville, Fl, presenting an enthusiastic MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter into National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM). Which iconic aircraft tend to now get on loan to the Valiant Sky Demand (VAC), enriching the new aviation museum’s range.
We are thrilled to see the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) society portrayed within art gallery, said HM-12 Dominating Manager Capt. Eric Johnson. For many, AMCM try a good lifelong field. I’ve recommended our very own HM-a dozen Sailors in order to Function as Legacy’-an indication so you’re able to prize the origin placed of the those people prior to you regarding mine countermeasures society and the Navy Alaska payday loan solutions.
The sea Dragon, now situated at the VAC Warbird Sky Museum, will stay on the long lasting loan regarding NNAM. Slope Goodspeed, NNAM’s deputy manager, emphasized the significance of cooperation with lover galleries to help you increase the new arrive at from naval aviation records. The latest National Naval Aviation Museum’s beginning objective inside the 1962 would be to discover, collect, maintain, and you may display’ artifacts that show Naval Aviation’s storied earlier, said Goodspeed. The brand new induction ceremony recognized the latest rich history of the MH-53E Sea Dragon and you will honored the brand new sacrifices ones who’ve offered. Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Director into H-53 Hefty Elevator Helicopters Program Place of work (PMA-261), showcased the ocean Dragon’s important character.
For nearly forty years, the fresh MH-53 has been an excellent Navy workhorse on Airborne Exploit Countermeasures purpose, Fleeger told you. Beyond its AMCM requirements, the ocean Dragon have served heavier-elevator surgery, put mail and you will supplies from the Persian Gulf, assisted for the crisis recovery, and also fought fires having fun with water stores bladders-Bambi Buckets.
Helicopter Exploit Countermeasures Squadron (HM) a dozen embarked with the a serious purpose to Titusville, Fl, October. 16, in which they theoretically shown an MH-53E Sea Dragon chopper to your National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), that is on mortgage so you’re able to Valiant Heavens Order inside the Titusville. Attendees spoke into the pilots and aircrew adopting the MH-53E arrive at the fresh art gallery. Photos because of the Jennifer Cragg
Valiant Air Demand Welcomes MH-53E Ocean Dragon Chopper
As their founding from inside the 1977, this new Warbird Air Museum into the Titusville has expanded using aviation fans, experts, and you may pilots serious about preserving America’s aviation history. The newest arrival of one’s MH-53E scratching a historical minute, since it is the original-and possibly merely-Water Dragon to-be demonstrated into the a museum mode. Though twenty-eight MH-53E helicopters remain in services, the latest fleet is scheduled to begin phasing out in 2025, which have full later years requested by the 2027. Capt. Johnson mirrored toward aircraft’s history. Its a great host so you’re able to travel, and it is even more unbelievable observe the complete squadron already been together to achieve this, told you Johnson. The sea Dragon might have been an important product getting tactical strategies and you can a proper deterrent, ensuring shipping lanes remain free from water mines.
Just like the their introduction into the 1986, the brand new MH-53E Ocean Dragon might have been pivotal in mine countermeasures and you can heavy-elevator operations. Dressed with advanced technical, and exploit-search sonar and you will detonation equipment, the ocean Dragon has secured naval fleets while also carrying soldiers and you will gadgets. The ocean Dragon might possibly be an excellent center point from the Warbird Museum, serious about preserving aviation record getting generations to come. Bonnie Towne, NNAM’s point regarding contact, starred an option character when you look at the assisting that it historic import. DRAGON 437 (BuNo 163066), just after providing for nearly forty years that have Chopper Mine Countermeasures Squadron Several is willing to getting demonstrated from the Valiant Air Order Warbird Art gallery very early the following year.
The ocean Dragon, nicknamed Joanna did a flyby brand new Kennedy Area Center. Photos through Valiant Sky Command Warbird Art gallery/ Deprive Shaw