First CH-53K squadron: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 held a re-designation ceremony from a CH-53E Super Stallion to the Marine Corps’ first fleet CH-53K King Stallion squadron

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 held a re-designation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River on Monday.

The ceremony marked HMH-461’s transition from a CH-53E Super Stallion to the Marine Corps’ first fleet CH-53K King Stallion squadron.

Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, described the significance of the transition.

“Today our Marine Corps got a little stronger. It is only appropriate that 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and in particular Marine Corps Air Station New River, would be the first to receive the newest land and sea-based heavy helicopter because this is the home of the Marine Corps’ assault support. Placing the CH-53K King Stallion into the hands of our warfighters will ensure we capitalize on the unique qualities and characteristics of the 53K, and will allow 2nd MAW to continue to provide the best aviation support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force right now, and well into our future.

“Quite simply, 2nd MAW will be able to move more troops and equipment, at higher altitudes, faster speeds, and in more austere environments than ever before. We continue to become a more modernized and lethal force so, when the time comes, we will deliver on II Marine Expeditionary Force’s motto: ‘Come to Fight – Come to Win.’ I am so proud of the Marines and Sailors of 2nd MAW, and find it appropriate that they are a part of this moment in Marine Corps aviation history.”

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky mentioned that “Sikorsky brings over 35 years of sustainment experience of the Marine Corps CH-53E legacy fleet having provided spare parts, overhaul and repair, integrated logistics products, support services, and a comprehensive performance-based logistics (PBL).

While sad to see the beginning of the phase out of the venerable Super Stallion, Sikorsky is thrilled the Marine Corps is introducing the CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter into the fleet and is moving one step closer to initial operational capability (IOC) and first deployment.

The CH-53K’s modern digital thread permeates design build, operation, and sustainment and is the only heavy lift aircraft that can meet the Marine Corps requirement. We are ramping up CH-53K production with 5 aircraft delivered to the fleet and over 40 more aircraft in various stages of production and, with full range of supportability products, are moving  toward a goal of delivering this 21^st Century heavy lift aircraft as quickly and effectively as possible to the Marine Corps and our allies”.

Main photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III