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FORT MEADE, Md. - The Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight conducted
its first flight August 1962 and on August 1, 2015, the Sea Knight
made its final flight to the Smithsonian Institution National Air
and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly,
Virginia.
The ceremony was conducted by Marines from Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron 774, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Marine
Corps Forces Reserve and Marines from Marine Helicopter Squadron One
from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
The Sea Knight
began its service in the Marine Corps during 1964, and by 1968 the
Knight had flown around 180,000 missions, carried more than 500,000
troops and flew approximately 8,700 rescue missions with wounded
Marines.
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A Marine Corps color guard presents the colors during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner August 1, 2015, during the CH-46 Last Flight Retirement Ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The CH-46's main mission has been to provide combat support, however, the aircraft also flew resupply missions, medical evacuations and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cuong Le)
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“When you first get on a CH-46 you know it is a well
maintained aircraft and after learn about the systems, and
how the aircraft works, it becomes almost like a second home
to you,” said Lt. Col. John Sarno, the executive officer of
Marine Helicopter Squadron One. “Just the design of the
aircraft makes it very forgiving. Through the years, Marines
have maintained and made upgrades that have kept it going.
We could probably make any piece of equipment last forever.”
Throughout its lifetime, the Sea Knight has flown in
missions during campaigns in Vietnam, Lebanon, Iraq and
Afghanistan.
“The Marine Corps is immensely proud to
pay its respect to five decades worth of Marine Corps
history, and for the Marines who flew these aircrafts,” said
Lt. Gen. Jon Davis, deputy commandant of aviation of
Headquarters Marine Corps. “When Marines were wounded in
their darkest hours, this aircraft would bring them home
safely.”
The CH-46's main mission has been to provide
combat support, however, the aircraft also flew resupply
missions, medical evacuations and tactical recovery of
aircraft and personnel.
“We are an assault support
platform we deliver the most lethal weapon in the United
States a Marine and his rifle,” said Sarno. “Put a Marine on
the ground, and the enemy is going to have a really hard
time.”
Although the CH-46 is being replaced by the
Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey, the history of the Sea Knight will
last forever with the pilots who flew it.
“This
aircraft is leaving behind history dating from Vietnam to
Afghanistan,” said Sarno. “The CH-46 has saved a lot of
lives, and that is the biggest thing, because of our
vertical envelopment and the way we work as a team in the
Marine Corps, this aircraft will always carry a piece of
history with it.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cuong Le
Defense Media Activity
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
The U.S. Marines
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