https://verticalmag.com/features/a-true-warhorse/ The pulse of the rotorcraft industry Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:35:07 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://verticalmag.com/features/a-true-warhorse/#comment-302726 Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:35:07 +0000 https://verticalmag.com/?post_type=features&p=410064#comment-302726 Excellent article with 100% credibility. I am a retired Marine Corps senior aviator who commanded HMH-465’s sister squadron, HMH-466 (the Wolfpack). A fellow Marine Corps LtCol and close friend, commanded HMH-465. Our squadrons were competitive yet very close in conducting safe, combat-ready enhancing operations including partnered air to air refueling with VMGR-352, commanded by one of our mutual friends. And yes, we conducted refueling missions together once off Dana Point, CA. My squadron operated for at least two years with three detachments deployed (one in Okinawa and shared with HMH-465, one assigned to a CH-46 squadron training to deploy from Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, CA and one under our squadron’s internal training program preparing to join another CH-46 squadron for a future deployment afloat. A CH-53E squadron is manned and equipped for a “main” 8 helicopter base unit and two detachments (four helos each). A squadron that has to operationally exceed that design requires exceptionally detailed planning and incurs higher risk of mishaps for a myriad of reasons. HMH squadron success over the years is a testament to the value of training programs such as the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) and ability to conduct as much joint service exercises as time and assets allow. This article heralds the pilots, crews and maintainers of the valuable CH-53 asset.

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