Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: Marines

CH-53K helicopter program advances to full rate production

Posted on by alert5

The CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter has recently entered Full Rate Production (FRP) following a decision review by the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

The CH-53K King Stallion successfully plugs into a funnel-shaped drogue towed behind a KC-130J during aerial refueling wake testing over the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Erik Hildebrandt.

Continue reading “CH-53K helicopter program advances to full rate production”

VMA-542 is the USMC’s first East Coast operational F-35 squadron

Posted on by alert5

Officials from Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) held a re-designation ceremony on Dec. 1 at MCAS Cherry Point, to celebrate the squadron’s transition from an AV-8B Harrier squadron to the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35 squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 flies over Bodo, Norway during Fjord Fury, June 6, 2018. Exercise Fjord Fury is designed to conduct combined training with NATO allied forces, foster relationships with host and partner nations, and improve the squadron’s combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jailine L. Martinez)

Continue reading “VMA-542 is the USMC’s first East Coast operational F-35 squadron”

USMC stands up new air defense battery in California

Posted on by alert5

The U.S. Marine Corps has stand-up Charlie Battery for the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38.

The logo of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands at the activation of Charlie Battery on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Potter)

Continue reading “USMC stands up new air defense battery in California”

Bell has delivered the last AH-1 attack helicopter for the U.S. military

Posted on by alert5

The 189th and last AH-1Z attack helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps has been delivered by Bell to the customer on Nov. 2. This marks the end of the H-1 helicopter delivery to the U.S. military.

A U.S. Marine AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 takes off in Charleston, West Virginia, July 26, 2019. HMLA-167 is subordinate command of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. William L.Holdaway)

Continue reading “Bell has delivered the last AH-1 attack helicopter for the U.S. military”