The operation began at NAS Patuxent River, a hub for naval aviation testing in Southern Maryland. The F-35B, stripped of its mission and propulsion systems, outer wings, and additional equipment, weighed approximately 22,000 pounds. The CH-53K, the most powerful helicopter in the Department of Defense, handled the load with ease, demonstrating its advanced capabilities. “The aircraft completed the lift of the 22,000-pound F-35B with ample power margin and range, underscoring how the platform provides unmatched support to joint operations,” said Col. Kate Fleeger, program manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261).
The airframe, BF-01, holds a special place in aviation history. On March 18, 2010, it performed the first vertical landing of an F-35 at NAS Patuxent River, piloted by Graham Tomlinson. It also achieved the first vertical takeoff on May 10, 2013, and flew its maiden flight on June 11, 2008. These milestones marked the F-35B’s unique short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, blending supersonic speed and radar-evading stealth. Now demilitarized, with its engine removed and lift fan door sealed, BF-01 will stand as a monument to these achievements at MCAS Beaufort.
Lt. Col. Bagley, commanding officer of HMH-461, praised the mission’s execution. “This mission’s success exemplifies the professionalism, commitment, and capability that exists at HMH-461,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of the team here and extremely grateful for the support and collaboration that occurred between each group, station, agency, and program office that played a role.” He noted that the operation, while extraordinary, was “just another day for the squadron,” reflecting the unit’s readiness for complex tasks.
The mission required meticulous coordination. HMH-461 rehearsed the long-range external lift operation the day prior at NAS Patuxent River, ensuring precision. A second CH-53K supported the mission by providing air-delivered ground refueling (ADGR), enabling the primary helicopter to complete the journey without landing. This self-supported approach highlights the CH-53K’s versatility in extended operations, a critical asset for the Marine Corps’ distributed aviation operations and maritime missions in contested environments.
The CH-53K, which reached initial operational capability (IOC) in April 2022, is designed to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. Unlike its predecessor, it features advanced fly-by-wire technology, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety. With a maximum external lift capacity of 36,000 pounds—nearly triple that of the CH-53E—the King Stallion is built for demanding missions like the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). “Although the helicopter only reached IOC in April 2022, the King Stallion has already been used multiple times to execute its TRAP mission,” Fleeger said, noting this was the second time a CH-53K transported an F-35 airframe post-flight testing.
Bagley emphasized the CH-53K’s transformative impact. “The CH-53K is not merely an upgrade of the CH-53E,” he said. “It represents a fundamental shift in how Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons can enable warfighting concepts like distributed aviation operations and maritime operations in a contested environment.” He added that HMH-461 stands ready for future missions, stating, “This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that we have been called upon to complete a mission that only this aircraft can undertake.”
The mission underscores the strategic importance of NAS Patuxent River, a key testing ground for naval aviation, and its role in advancing Marine Corps capabilities. The CH-53K’s ability to transport heavy loads over long distances supports the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030, which emphasizes mobile, agile units operating in challenging environments, such as the Pacific theater. The helicopter’s advanced avionics, digital cockpit, and smaller shipboard footprint enhance its operational efficiency, making it a cornerstone of modern Marine Corps logistics.
For Southern Maryland, home to NAS Patuxent River, the mission highlights the region’s critical role in military innovation. The successful transport of BF-01 not only preserves a historic aircraft but also demonstrates the CH-53K’s readiness for real-world operations. As the Marine Corps continues to integrate the King Stallion into its fleet, with plans to acquire 200 aircraft by 2029, its capabilities will shape the future of heavy-lift missions.
