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JB MDL Marines end Huey legacy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 Marines flew two UH-1N Huey helicopters for the last time in the squadron March 27, 2014, out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

The ceremonious flight signified the retirement of the UH-1N model, which has been in service for more than 40 years and is being replaced by the UH-1Y Venom, or "Yankee" as HMLA-773's Marines know it.

The flight began at JB MDL where the crew travelled across New Jersey into New York. The crew followed the Hudson River to Stewart International Airport where they turned around and travelled to Philadelphia before landing for the last time at McGuire Field, where HMLA-773 Marines were waiting to celebrate the UH-1N's final flight.

"This isn't going to be the last Huey at (HMLA)-773," said Lt. Col. Theodore Batzel, HMLA-773 Detachment B commander. "We have a lot of work ahead of us with the Yankee even though the November (UH-1N) is going to the boneyard. We will continue the long legacy of the Huey at 773."

The Yankee features structural and avionics upgrades with the composite shell and four-blade rotor standing out as the two most distinguishable differences between the models. Upgrades produce a 125 percent boost in payload and 50 percent increase in range and speed for the helicopter. The engine, transmission and avionics upgrades allow the Yankee to produce more lift, which in turn allows the crews to better carry out Marine-movement and assault-support missions.

"All of our missions are designed to support Marines on the ground," said Capt. Daniel Turaj, HMLA-773 pilot. "We are planning for a substantial amount of training for the pilots, aircrew members and maintainers who work with the Yankee. I've already completed initial training for the Yankee and will continue follow on training and just generally adjusting to the new model here."

The crews have lots of memories flying with the historic aircraft and most crew members at HMLA-773, regardless of time spent in the aircraft, say they will reminisce on the aircraft.

"The November has a long history and is probably best known for being the friendly aircraft that makes the 'wop-wop' sound," said Gunnery Sgt. Brad Gravat, HMLA-773 crew chief. "Our people in Vietnam would be relieved to hear that sound coming to their rescue. The aircraft has been involved in every major conflict since the Korean War, after all."

HMLA-773 will continue the Huey legacy with Yankee and use it to provide many different types of air support to fighting Marines on the ground.