Brand new Fl-situated Valiant Heavens Order Museum possess additional the newest U.S. Navy’s huge MH-53E Water Dragon to its range.
Toward October sixteen, Chopper Exploit Countermeasures Squadron (HM) twelve embarked on the a serious objective so you’re able to Titusville, Fl, to present a keen MH-53E Ocean Dragon helicopter with the Federal Naval Aviation Art gallery (NNAM). This renowned flights tend to today get on mortgage to your Valiant Heavens Order (VAC), enriching new aviation museum’s collection.
We’re thrilled to comprehend the Airborne Exploit Countermeasures (AMCM) neighborhood illustrated within museum, told you HM-several Ruling Manager Capt. Eric Johnson. For many, AMCM try a good lifelong profession. We have urged the HM-several Sailors so you’re able to Function as the Legacy’-a reminder to help you honor the foundation placed by the those individuals prior to united states regarding the mine countermeasures area and the Navy.
The sea Dragon, now located at the VAC Warbird Sky Art gallery, will stay on the permanent financing off NNAM. Hill Goodspeed, NNAM’s deputy movie director, emphasized the necessity of collaboration which have lover museums to help you increase this new come to out-of naval aviation background. The fresh new Federal Naval Aviation Museum’s founding goal inside the 1962 was to come across, collect, maintain, and display’ artifacts one portray Naval Aviation’s storied past, told you Goodspeed. The latest induction ceremony known new steeped heritage of one’s MH-53E Sea Dragon and you may recognized the new sacrifices of these who have served. Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager into the H-53 Big Lift Helicopters Program Place of work (PMA-261), emphasized the ocean Dragon’s critical character.
For nearly 40 years, this new MH-53 has been a Navy workhorse regarding Airborne Mine Countermeasures objective, Fleeger said. Past its AMCM duties, the sea Dragon has actually supported heavy-lift functions, put mail and you may offers throughout the Persian Gulf, helped into the emergency save, plus battled fires having fun with liquids stores bladders-Bambi Buckets.
Chopper Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) twelve embarked toward a serious objective in order to Titusville, Florida, October. 16, where they technically demonstrated an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter on National Naval Aviation Art gallery (NNAM), which is to the mortgage to Valiant Heavens Order inside the Titusville. Attendees talked into the pilots and you can aircrew pursuing the MH-53E arrive at brand new museum. Photos by Jennifer Cragg
Valiant Heavens Order Welcomes MH-53E Sea Dragon Helicopter
Since its founding when you look at the 1977, the newest Warbird Heavens Art gallery for the Titusville is continuing to grow owing to aviation lovers, veterans, and you can pilots serious about preserving America’s aviation record. The newest arrival of one’s MH-53E marks a historic second, as it is the initial-and possibly only-Water Dragon become displayed in the a museum setting. No matter if 28 MH-53E helicopters remain in service, the new fleet is placed to begin phasing call at 2025, that have full advancing years questioned from the 2027. Capt. Johnson mirrored towards the aircraft’s heritage. Its an incredible machine so you can travel, and it is significantly more amazing observe the entire squadron become together to achieve this, told you Johnson. The sea Dragon could have been an essential device to own tactical strategies and you may a proper discouraging factor, guaranteeing delivery lanes remain free of sea mines.
While the its inclusion when you look at the 1986, brand new MH-53E Water Dragon could have been crucial in mine countermeasures and you will heavy-lift functions. Dressed that have state-of-the-art technology, together with mine-google search sonar and detonation gizmos, the ocean Dragon have secure naval fleets while also hauling soldiers and you will products. The ocean Dragon might possibly be an effective focus within Warbird Art gallery, dedicated to preserving aviation record for future generations. Bonnie Towne, NNAM’s area of contact, starred a key role for the assisting which historic transfer. DRAGON 437 (BuNo 163066), after providing for pretty much forty years with https://cashadvancecompass.com/loans/variable-rate-loans/ Chopper Exploit Countermeasures Squadron Twelve would be prepared to become showed from the Valiant Sky Order Warbird Museum early the coming year.
The sea Dragon, nicknamed Joanna did an effective flyby the brand new Kennedy Area Center. Photos via Valiant Air Demand Warbird Museum/ Rob Shaw