Marine CH-53Ks partner with the Navy to test future force operating concepts

Photo By Lance Cpl. Reine Whitaker | U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, move from their security position during an operational evaluation of the CH-53K King Stallion at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 21, 2021. The CH-53K is currently undergoing initial operational test and evaluation to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures of CH-53K utilization as the Marine Corps modernizes and prepares to respond globally to emerging crises or contingencies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Reine Whitaker)  

WASHINGTON DC, DC, UNITED STATES

11.19.2021

Story by Maj. Jorge Hernandez 

Communication Directorate             

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS– In a first for the Marine Corps, Marines from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) conducted over-the-horizon heavy lift and troop transport ship-to-shore operations aboard CH-53K King Stallions over the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 19-21.

These exercises are a critical component of the Marine Corps’ future force operating concepts, such as expeditionary advanced base operations and distributed operations.

“We are excited to continue advancing the Commandant’s vision of the future force by partnering with the Navy and finding ways to optimize how we operate and thrive in a strategic competition environment,” said VMX-1 Commanding Officer Col. Byron Sullivan. “We remain the nation’s naval expeditionary force; ready to fight in any clime or place at any time.”

VMX-1 is evaluating the King Stallion’s ability to meet program specification for the over-the-horizon heavy lift capability. VMX-1 tested the King Stallion’s capability to transport a 27,000 lbs. light armored vehicle (LAV-25) from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to a landing zone ashore.

VMX-1 also evaluated the CH-53K’s ability to move troops over-the-horizon to a location ashore and return to ship without refueling—covering as much as 220 nautical miles on their roundtrip.

Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (CLB-24) and 2d Battalion, 2d Marines from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina provided personnel and equipment to assist VMX-1 with their testing, and sailors from the USS Iwo Jima assisted VMX-1 with shipboard and flight deck operations.

The Marine Corps is progressing through initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the CH-53Ks prior to fielding them to the Fleet Marine Force. The pilots, maintainers, and contractors of VMX-1, the squadron tasked with conducting operational test and evaluation of Marine Corps aviation platforms and systems, play a significant role in shaping the tactics, techniques and procedures of CH-53K utilization. Additionally, VMX-1 personnel will put the aircraft through rigorous evaluations in order to determine its suitability and effectiveness before arriving to the fleet.

“We have the most professional and capable individuals maintaining the aircraft and are also appreciative to the Blue-Green Team, who demonstrate the superb ability to operating harmoniously,” said VMX-1 CH-53K Detachment Operations Officer Maj. Joshua Banks.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2021
• Date Posted: 12.03.2021 09:08
• Story ID: 409708
• Location: WASHINGTON DC, DC, US