“This mission’s success exemplifies the professionalism, commitment, and capability that exists at HMH-461,” said Commanding Officer of HMH-461, Lt. Col. Bagley. “I am incredibly proud of the team here and extremely grateful for the support and collaboration that occurred between each group, station, agency, and program office that played a role.”
According to Bagley, coordination between multiple organisations was key to the successful outcome of the mission. “As extraordinary as it may have seemed, this was just another day for the squadron,” he said.
Col. Kate Fleeger, programme manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), noted the performance of the helicopter during the operation. “The aircraft completed the lift of the 22,000-pound F-35B with ample power margin and range, underscoring how the platform provides unmatched support to joint operations,” said Fleeger.
This marks the second time the CH-53K has been used to transport an F-35 following required flight test activities. “Although the helicopter only reached IOC in April 2022, the King Stallion has already been used multiple times to execute its Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission,” said Fleeger.
HMH-461 supported the operation with a second CH-53K, which conducted refuelling via Air-Delivered Ground Refuelling (ADGR). “The CH-53K is not merely an upgrade of the CH-53E,” said Bagley, “it represents a fundamental shift in how Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons can enable warfighting concepts like distributed aviation operations and maritime operations in a contested environment.”
“This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that we have been called upon to complete a mission that only this aircraft can undertake,” Bagley added. “This squadron remains ready and eager for the opportunity to provide this critical capability wherever it is needed most.”
