A significant chapter in presidential aviation history has taken a new turn as the decommissioned Marine One helicopter transitions into a training tool for the U.S. Secret Service.
This iconic aircraft, known by its Bureau number 159358 (BUNO 358), made its journey to the Rowley Training Center in Maryland, arriving on the back of a trailer, as documented in a video shared by the Secret Service on Wednesday.
According to Western Journal, the Sikorsky VH-3D helicopter, which was decommissioned in 2023, has a storied past that dates back to its inaugural service in 1976 during the Ford administration. "For over the past 50 years, this aircraft has flown every president and vice president around the world," remarked Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Troy Sarria.
He emphasized the helicopter's historical significance, stating, "Its a genuine piece of presidential and Secret Service history." This aircraft will now offer a hands-on, realistic training environment for agents assigned to the presidents or vice presidents detail, enhancing the protective training provided to basic special agent classes.
Though no longer airworthy, the helicopter retains the seating configuration of the president's current VH-92 model, as noted in a Secret Service news release. The decommissioned Marine One was a gift from the Presidential Helicopters Program Office, a gesture that Sarria described as exceeding expectations: "To get a newly decommissioned Marine One helicopter, it goes beyond any of our imagination."
Before the arrival of this historic helicopter at the training center on June 24, the Secret Service relied on a 1963 model U.S. Navy helicopter. The older model had seen better days, with corroded doors and an interior that had become a refuge for stinging insects and animals from the surrounding woods, as detailed in the news release. The outdated helicopter has since been transported to Arizona for recycling.
In addition to the training helicopter, the Secret Service employs a mock Air Force One, dubbed "Air Force One Half," which consists of only the front section of the aircraft. This setup allows trainees to practice airport operations, further enhancing their preparedness for real-world scenarios.
The transformation of Marine One into a training asset underscores the Secret Service's commitment to maintaining a high standard of readiness and protection for the nation's leaders.
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