A Test Readiness Review (TRR) and Joint Final Testing (JFT) were recently completed for the CH-53K Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) 1, resulting in the trainer being declared Ready for Training (RFT) on Aug. 16. The new mixed-reality static training device is the first of its kind to support both pilot and aircrew training on the CH-53K King Stallion.  

Veraxx Engineering Corporation developed the AATD prototype for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261).

Recent successful testing of hand-launched deployments of sonobuoys from a CH-53E Super Stallion have expanded the capabilities of the aircraft, providing increased flexibility for the U.S. Navy to support Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in the joint environment. Similar testing will soon do the same for the CH-53K King Stallion.

The successful deployments of sonobuoys from a heavy lift helicopter showcases the aircraft’s flexibility and the changing payloads the aircraft will take on as the CH-53K replaces the CH-53E in the fleet.

Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) and the Marine Corps accepted delivery of the final VH-92A helicopter, built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, in August. The achievement signifies the completion of the program of record to deliver 23 new presidential helicopters in support of the executive lift mission.

Program Executive Office, Air Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) welcomed its new program executive officer, Brig. Gen. David Walsh, in a change of command ceremony on June 27. Gary Kurtz, the outgoing PEO(A) executive officer, retired from government service after 40 years with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

A retired, de-militarized, and restored VH-3D Marine One was officially inducted into the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, Texas in June 2024. The library and museum, located within the Texas A&M University campus, welcomed Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) members, Bush family members, donors, and supporters to the grand opening of a new pavilion that now houses the retired Marine One.

The Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) (FVL (MS)) program recently completed its Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), culminating in a Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) “Gate 2” Resources and Requirements Review Board (R3B).  The board unanimously endorsed the results of the AoA and directed the program to proceed with the development of a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and a Concept of Operations (CONOPS).  

U.S. Marines flying a CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter transported an F-35C Lightning II airframe from the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Patuxent River (Pax ITF) to a Navy unit located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 24.

Two program executive officer air, anti-submarine warfare, and special mission program (PEO(A)) civilians were recognized in a 25 April ceremony for the annual Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) John Glenn Squadron Marine Aviation Acquisition Awards.  These prestigious awards recognize those individuals who have distinguished themselves as the best in Marine Aviation Acquisition during the award period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

The U.S. Navy delivered the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft to be modified with Increment 3 Block 2 capabilities to Boeing on March 27, enabling the fleet to be outfitted with the full anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities outlined in the P-8A program’s evolutionary acquisition strategy.