Riding the stallion: HMHT-302 conducts formation flight

Photo By Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara | Four CH-53 Super Stallions conduct an in-flight turn during a formation flight off the North Carolina coast, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

09.22.2017

Story by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 flew in a formation flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2017.

The Marines conducted the flight to celebrate attaining the unit’s training requirements for this fiscal year.

“We launched eight CH-53 Super Stallions as a visualization of all the hard work we have put in this year,” said Lt. Col. Enrique Azenon, the commanding officer of the unit. “You usually don’t see this many aircraft flying at one time unless it’s during an operation, so it’s a sight to see.”

The Marines celebrated by flying to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, and then flying back to MCAS New River. One of the pilots also received a special qualification after the flight for leading the formation.

“One of our pilots was qualifying for their Assault Flight Lead Check Flight,” said Azenon. “We are trying to put some more training into our instructor pilots for their proficiency and their job advancement.”

Because the Marines were able to reach all of their fiscal year requirements, the training enabled Marines to be proficient enough as a team to make the formation happen at such a large magnitude.

“This flight was definitely a win for the unit and for 2nd Marine Air Wing,” said Azenon. “Everyone collectively doing their part and showing what Marines can do really reflected in today’s flight.”

• Date Taken: 09.22.2017
• Date Posted: 09.26.2017 11:13
• Story ID: 249653
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US