Retired Navy helicopter becomes static display

Courtesy Photo | Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Seabees with Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 move a Navy SH-60B Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 to its new home Dec. 13. Known as "EasyRider 52," the helicopter is being retired after 10,399 flight hours and more than 25 years of service, and is now part of the permanent vehicle display at the H-3 gate of the base. The aircraft was flown in Operations Desert Storm and Shield, and was part of relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. HSL-37 plans to replace all of their SH-60B helicopters with the new MH-60R in the future.  

KANEOHE, HI, UNITED STATES

12.16.2010

Story by Kristen Wong 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

As visitors enter the main gate aboard the base, they will now see a new addition to the lawn of static displays.

Marines and sailors spent the early morning hours transporting a SH-60B Seahawk from Hangar 103 to the grassy area near the H-3 gate Dec. 13.

In the future, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 37 will, like most other squadrons, replace their aircraft with new MH-60R Seahawks. But the aging SH-60Bs will still hold a special place in history. Several weeks ago, another Seahawk, “EasyRider 60,” was flown to its new home at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island.

But “EasyRider 52” remains close to home, on a cement platform near the Lodge at Kaneohe Bay. Service members were already transporting the helicopter before the sun peeked over the horizon.
Four Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 3 lifted the helicopter onto its platform via crane.

“[The project was] fairly simple,” said Sgt. Samuel Sepulvado, licensing noncommissioned officer, CLB-3. “[We] just had to coordinate a lot of moving parts.”

Four Navy Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 installed hardware into the cement to hold the craft in place.

“As a Seabee, it’s always a special honor to work with Marines and we’re looking forward to more work on some upcoming projects at MCBH!” said Lt. j.g. John Daly, officer in charge, CBMU-303.
“EasyRider 52” was built in 1983, and previously flew with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 (now Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41).

Over the years this helicopter was used in missions during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The helicopter also participated in relief efforts in the southern United States after Hurricane Katrina, and has accrued 10,399 flight hours.

In 2008, “EasyRider 52” found a home with HSL-37. With HSL-37, the helicopter was considered a “home guard aircraft,” meaning it was primarily used for training purposes and not deployments.

“It can do some pretty amazing things,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lou Faiella, detachment officer in charge, Detachment 3, HSL-37.

A ceremony for the Seahawk’s retirement will be scheduled for a later date.

“I think it’s important to leave behind a legacy,” Faiella said.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2010
• Date Posted: 12.16.2010 21:58
• Story ID: 62135
• Location: KANEOHE, HI, US