CH53 Retirement of an old friend

[pm3777]

Started with the CH53A at NAS Alameda Reserve unit1971. Than 14 years at MAG-36 Okinawa with the CH53D. Had the 36 man team installing the the sponson fuel tanks at Kadena . Attended CH53E training in 1984. Retirement of this great bird brings back so many memories !! Had the honor of attending 14 "Team Spirit Exercises" in Korea. This photo 462 at Pohang dont recall which of the 14 years 1973/1987. Maybe Dave Jones knows . Goodnite old Friend Semper Fidelis PM

[Frank D. Bermudez]

Started with the CH53A at NAS Alameda Reserve unit1971. Than 14 years at MAG-36 Okinawa with the CH53D. Had the 36 man team installing the the sponson fuel tanks at Kadena . Attended CH53E training in 1984. Retirement of this great bird brings back so many memories !! Had the honor of attending 14 "Team Spirit Exercises" in Korea. This photo 462 at Pohang dont recall which of the 14 years 1973/1987. Maybe Dave Jones knows . Goodnite old Friend Semper Fidelis PM

I attended the retirement ceremony. MAG-24 did an outstanding job of retireing this great Warhorse. Kudos to the point man, Maj. Bartom.

[bonehead]

I've attached a link to the local TV coverage of the CH-53 landing at Ford Island where it will be placed in the Pacific Air Museum. The reporter did error in the activation date of the 53. I started out with HMH-461 back in '66 went on to serve with 462 '70 & 463 70-71 in Nam. Sorry to see the old work horse being out to pasture.


http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/1...ine-helicopter

[Garfield411]

Hate to see my Old Friend go! I flew as a CH-53D Crew Chief from 84 to 88 when I got off of active duty. My check ride was in an old CH-53A borrowed from HMT-204 at the time. Really hate to see the Sea Stallion put to rest.....