The CH-53K King Stallion aced an air-to-air refueling test this week, successfully demonstrating long-range logistics support capabilities for the U.S. Marine Corps. The 4.5 hour test was accomplished over the Chesapeake Bay with a KC-130J aerial refueling (AR) tanker.

“The aircraft went to the tanker this week and it was very successful, proving it is a long-range vertical logistic workhorse,” said Col. Jack Perrin, H-53 heavy lift helicopters (PMA-261) program manager.

The CH-53E Super Stallion has begun initial testing/development of a new low speed precision control (LSPC) system to provide aircraft stabilization in a degraded visual environment (DVE).

The LSPC system will improve safety and prevent damage or loss of aircraft. It provides flight control augmentation to reduce the workload on the aircrew in landings and external lift evolutions during brownout environments – the most difficult flight regimes.

Maj. Clayton Wade Piersall, training lead for the Marine Corps’ CH-53K program, earned Admiral Merlin O’Neill Officer of the Year during a ceremony in January at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

NAS Patuxent River and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division leadership give the annual Adm. Merlin O’Neill Officer of the Year award to a junior officer assigned to activities onboard NAS Patuxent River who demonstrates superior performance and leadership, with an emphasis on volunteer activities and involvement in the community.

The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter reached a major milestone this year by logging more than one million flight hours since it first entered service with the Marine Corps in 1981.

The CH-53E is a versatile machine used for amphibious assault and long-range insertion, delivering troops, vehicles and supplies. This rapid resupply vehicle is still one of the most used aircraft in the United States military air arsenal.