The new Fl-situated Valiant Sky Command Art gallery possess added the new U.S. Navy’s enormous MH-53E Ocean Dragon in order to their collection.
Towards the October 16, Helicopter Exploit Countermeasures Squadron (HM) several embarked towards a serious objective in order to Titusville, Florida, to present a keen MH-53E Ocean Dragon helicopter into National Naval Aviation Art gallery (NNAM). So it renowned routes usually now be on mortgage toward Valiant Heavens Command (VAC), enriching the brand new aviation museum’s range.
“We have been pleased to see the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) people portrayed inside museum,” told you HM-a dozen Commanding Manager Capt. Eric Johnson. “For some, AMCM try a good lifelong industry. We have recommended our very own HM-12 Mariners to ‘Function as the Legacy’-a note in order to prize the origin laid of the men and women just before united states about exploit countermeasures community therefore the Navy.”
The sea Dragon, now situated on VAC Warbird Sky Art gallery, will remain to your permanent financing from NNAM. Mountain Goodspeed, NNAM’s deputy manager, showcased the importance of cooperation which have lover museums so you can expand new arrived at regarding naval aviation background. “The Federal Naval Aviation Museum’s beginning objective inside the 1962 were to ‘pick, gather, uphold, and you can display’ artifacts you to definitely show Naval Aviation’s storied previous,” said Goodspeed. The brand new induction service distinguished new steeped legacy of the MH-53E Ocean Dragon and you may honored the sacrifices of them who’ve served. Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager toward H-53 Heavier Lift Helicopters System Office (PMA-261), showcased the ocean Dragon’s critical character.
“For nearly 40 years, the MH-53 might have been a beneficial Navy workhorse in the Airborne Exploit Countermeasures goal,” Fleeger told you. “Beyond its AMCM commitments, the ocean Dragon features served big-elevator businesses, introduced post and you will offers from the Persian Gulf coast of florida, assisted for the emergency rescue, and even fought fires playing with h2o shops bladders-Bambi Buckets.”
Chopper Exploit Countermeasures Squadron (HM) twelve embarked into a life threatening mission to Titusville, Fl, October. sixteen, where it technically demonstrated an MH-53E Water Dragon helicopter on National Naval Aviation Art gallery (NNAM), that will be towards loan so you’re able to Valiant Air Command when you look at the Titusville. Attendees talked into the pilots and aircrew pursuing the MH-53E come to brand new museum. Photographs by the Jennifer Cragg
Valiant Air Demand Welcomes MH-53E Ocean Dragon Helicopter
Given that the founding for the 1977, the newest Warbird Heavens Art gallery inside Titusville has grown due to aviation followers, experts, and you may pilots seriously interested in preserving America’s aviation record. This new coming of the MH-53E scratches a historic minute, since it is the initial-and perhaps merely-Water Dragon to be demonstrated within the an art gallery means. Regardless if 28 MH-53E helicopters stay in provider, the fleet is defined to begin with phasing out in 2025, that have full retirement asked from the 2027. Capt. Johnson reflected towards the aircraft’s legacy. “It is an incredible machine to help you fly, and it is a great deal more incredible observe the entire squadron come together to do this,” said Johnson. “The https://clickcashadvance.com/loans/signature-installment-loans/ sea Dragon could have been a significant product getting tactical logistics and you may a proper deterrent, making sure shipment lanes are clear of ocean mines.”
Just like the its introduction in the 1986, the MH-53E Water Dragon could have been crucial in both mine countermeasures and you will heavy-elevator procedures. Outfitted having advanced technology, as well as exploit-browse sonar and you can detonation gizmos, the sea Dragon enjoys safeguarded naval fleets whilst moving troops and gizmos. The ocean Dragon will be a beneficial center point during the Warbird Art gallery, seriously interested in retaining aviation records to own generations to come. Bonnie Towne, NNAM’s section out of contact, starred an option character inside assisting that it historic transfer. DRAGON 437 (BuNo 163066), after serving for almost 40 years having Helicopter Exploit Countermeasures Squadron A dozen was prepared to be presented from the Valiant Sky Command Warbird Museum very early next year.
The ocean Dragon, nicknamed “Joanna” performed a great flyby the brand new Kennedy Space Cardio. Pictures via Valiant Sky Demand Warbird Museum/ Rob Shaw