News

MH-53 helicopter gives incentive flights before permanent bed down at Museum of Aviation

  • Published
  • By Holly Birchfield
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, GA --  An MH-53 J/M "Pave Low IV" special operations aircraft that flew in the Vietnam War and most recently in Operation Iraqi Freedom found its final home at the Museum of Aviation on Aug. 13.

The 37-year-old veteran aircraft that has flown operations in Southeast Asia, Bosnia and, most recently, Iraq, will be displayed in the museum's Century of Flight Hangar among other veteran combat aircraft.

Ken Emery, MOA director, said it's fitting that the helicopter would come to stay at Robins.
"Fortunately, the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center supports the MH-53s and all Air Force helicopters worldwide and the MH-53 is coming out of service," he said. "They're retiring the last Air Force MH-53s, so we requested one because we support them at Robins." 

Mr. Emery said the helicopter became part of combat operations soon after its debut.

"It was delivered to the Air Force in 1971 and was directly delivered to Thailand to fly combat and rescue missions in Southeast Asia," he said. "It stayed there for almost five years doing those kinds of operations, including flying on the Meyaguez rescue mission in 1975. It also flew in Europe, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and a number of other special operations (like) Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Mr. Emery said before its retirement, the MH-53 was assigned at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and has been all over the world.

Before making its home at the museum, about 40 Robins employees who have supported the aircraft in its lifetime and museum workers had the chance to take an incentive flight on the MH-53.

Steve Fairfield, former MH-53 program manager in the 573rd Aircraft Sustainment Squadron (Rotary Wing) within the 580th Aircraft Sustainment Group (Special Operations Forces/Combat Search and Rescue), was one of the people who enjoyed a short trip in the helicopter.

"I think it was an excellent opportunity," he said. "An incentive flight helps motivate the people and helps them to understand a little bit more about what the aircraft does for our soldiers and the people it supports. It inspires people to work a little harder."

James Davis, a production manager in the 573rd ACSS who also enjoyed the incentive flight, said the flight was a moving experience.

"It was great, outstanding, spectacular," he said with arms stretched in the air. "It shook me up. It gave me a greater appreciation for what they (the troops) do and how we support them."

While Mr. Fairfield is sad the MH-53 is retiring, he's glad it will be close by.