Posted on 10/13/2007 2:44:07 PM PDT by usmcobra
(Click on the picture for a bigger better view of the HMH-362 crew)
AL ASAD, Iraq (Oct. 12, 2007) -- A Marine Corps heavy lift squadron with an already rich legacy has added a notch to its belt with another historic achievement.
Aircraft 23, a CH-53D “Sea Stallion” flown by the Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, is the first aircraft of its type in the Corps to reach 10,000 flight hours.
“I think this is a phenomenal landmark,” said Lt. Col. Brian Cavanaugh, the commanding officer of HMH-362. “It’s the first aircraft to do it. We also have the first (CH-53D) delivered to the Marine Corps back in 1969. That aircraft is right behind it, but Aircraft 23 was the first to hit 10,000 hours in the whole Marine Corps, and its one of our best flyers.”
Aircraft 23 hit the historic benchmark September 25. For the crew piloting the plane, being a part of the benchmark flight held a special significance. The aircraft commander during the mission, Maj. Duane Vila, has a long history with Aircraft 23.
“In 1993, when I was a crew chief, that was my first airplane in HMH-463, and it’s my plane out here as a pilot,” explained Vila, an Orange, Calif., native. “I think it’s awesome. There are two planes you remember, your first and your last.”
“And it’s the best plane in the squadron,” added Vila with a smile.
The reason for the helicopter lasting as long as it has is the Marines that have maintained it through the years, according to Vila.
“I think it’s a testament to the hard work that these Marines do,” said Vila. “It’s obvious, even with the operational tempo out here, these Marines aren’t letting up. This airplane hasn’t been getting any younger, it just goes to show how dedicated they are to getting it to 10,000 hours without a hiccough and pressing on with the mission.”
The “Ugly Angels” have been busy during their deployment. The operational tempo they are experiencing far exceeds what they would normally fly back in the states, according to Cpl. Josh Groh, a crew chief on the record-setting flight.
“The squadron aims for about 2,000 hours a year for training back in the rear,” said Groh, a Freemont, Neb., native. “So far we’ve flown about 3,500 hours out here which is almost double our yearly goal, and it’s in just six months. We’ve phased most of (the aircraft) twice, and that equates to 300 hours each.”
A CH-53D has a service life limit of 10,000 hours. Now that the plane has reached its service life limit, the Ugly Angels had to request that they be able to continue flying Aircraft 23 during the remainder of their deployment, according to Cavanaugh.
“We requested to fly past the 10,000 hours, and that request was approved so we can go to 10,500 hours now,” explained Cavanaugh, a Baltimore native. “The Marine Corps is going to take a good look at it at that point and determine how much longer it can go. But like I said, the Marines have done a tremendous job of taking care of these airframes, a lot of hard work and tender love and care, and that bird has been one of our strongest flyers in combat. This is probably one of the most austere environments to perform in, and that bird has been out there doing it everyday.”
When the squadron redeploys back home, engineers will evaluate the aircraft to determine how far they can extend the service life of the airframe. Cavanaugh thinks the bird has a lot more life in it, and is confident that the careful administration of his Marines will allow Aircraft 23 to fly for another ten years.
The Ugly Angels are just proud that they could add to their squadron’s already impressive legacy, and that their work on the flightline and in the skies of Iraq has accomplished so much.
“It’s people that care,” said Vila, emphasizing the importance of the Marines working out on the flightline. “That, and blood, sweat and tears. That’s why that plane has 10,000 hours on it.”
I've remember it's Bureau Number to this day just in case....
I checked the article for that particular Bureau number, but they didn't give it.
I wonder what the odds are that this is the same CH-53D.
By The way, for those of you that do check out the HMH-362 Crew they are some seriously looking Marines and everyone is armed.
A mighty bird.
Interesting article, what company manufactured it back in 68/69? And what the devil are they using for engine lubrication? Much of its service life was before synthetics — at least synthetics that were available on the consumer markets, not the mil markets. One awesome craft.
I think it was Fall of 97 that NAVAIR recomputed the life expectancy on all the F-14s and our jet came up at 106%. They made us strike the airplane on site. Too bad. It was still a great jet.
# 23 ?
68-10923*: One of two CH-53Cs modified to HH/MH-53H configuration to replace early losses (73-1647 and 73-1650); Currently in service with the 31st SOS at Osan AB, SKORE
CH-53 bump. Outstanding! Thanks for posting.
I loved watching the 53s during night ops on my ship. They look just like the dropship from the movie, “Aliens.”
The 23 referred in the article is just a side number used for reference within the squadron. It doesn't have any relationship to the actual unique bureau number of the aircraft.
Ok...I tried. Remembered a site that had such. Thought it may be same.
Thanks for the info !
My last flight in a Navy 46, we parked that particular aircraft, at 15,000 hours. The whole fleet had been SLEP'd to that. And I'm sure the Marine Phrogs are way past that now.
Still, 10,000 is impressive, especially with the conditions and optempo over there.
You know a website that list the aircraft by Bureau number?
Yeah but it looks like note number 3 relates no data on USMC versions........Sorry but here is HTML version vs the word document version.....
I was always amazed watching these big SOBs land on the ship.
I told Karl not to ride in helos, because they don’t really fly! I have some beauty pics of CH-53 helos 54, 59 and 69 landing at Haditha Dam if you’re interested (landing near the purple smoke grenade). Best part is the overturned porta-potties that the helos kicked over.
I’m retired EOD.....most of my time was in pavelow versions of the HH53’s. Autorotated in a few UH1 F models and when I retired the blackhawk aka pavehawk HH60 was new. I am in the Panhandle of Texas now watching the V-22 fly out of the Bell Amarillo facility every day....... They fly em here a whole lot and so far so good. Hopefully they have solved the problems .
Stay safe !!
BTW Thanks for the picture......:o)
Stay safe !
usmcobra
I told Karl not to ride in helos, because they don’t really fly!
Helo’s are a large accumulation of parts throwing their wings around in circles waiting for something to fall off. The more that falls off, the lighter is it, the faster it flies.... Down. 8<)
(My son is in C5 flight repair out in Japan.)
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