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https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3204383/ ... 3e-retires【MH-53E removal】
On 3rd March (Fri), the MH - 53E celebration event was held at Iwakuni Air Base (Iwakuni - shi, Yamaguchi).
Since the first machine (Unit 21) was deployed in November Heisei era, eleven aircraft were deployed, and MH-53E was active in the front line as a minesweeping and transport machine.
In the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake (H 7.3), we transported approximately 16 tons of living goods from Iwakuni-Omura Station to the Kansai area.
Also, when President Bush came to Japan (H14.6), it was also used as a guest ship between Iwo Jima and Chichijima. And, in the Great East Japan Earthquake (H23.3), we carried about 116.8 tons of living goods to the affected areas in the Tohoku region.
Since Unit 2 (Unit 22) was first
removed in March 2009, all of the aircrafts were removed as of March 3 today, due to abolishment of applications or due to 6000 hours of tolerance.
Iwakuni Air Base HP
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3204393/ ... 3e-retires
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel with Mine Countermeasures Helicopter Squadron 111 (HM-111), pose for photos after placing flower wreaths on the last two remaining active MH-53E helicopters at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 3, 2017.
The MH-53E’s flew 6,000 hours throughout 27 years as airborne mine countermeasures and heavy transport helicopters for HM-111. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego)