Late January 2021, this CH-53E was pictured at Schofield Barracks (HI). The Sea Stallion participated in Exercise Steel Crucible that was executed by soldiers from Charlie Battery “Copperhead”, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division.
The Copperhead conduct day and night raids to simulate joint strikes against high value targets. Exercise Steel Crucible has provided the Battalion many opportunities to keep working as an air assault artillery unit in the US Pacific Command area of operations.
During the exercise CH-53Es of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463 Pegasus ('YH-xx') were used.
Why this news item, there are so many exercises like this? Well, a little mistake was made with this helicopter as it shows Bureau Number 164726, a serial that belongs to a F/A-18D Hornet (that was last-noted with VMFA-251 Thunderbolts "DW-xx").
The reason for this mixed-up is unknown, but most probably a spray painting mistake. It is a great lesson for tail spotters, be careful with what you see and always check your sources. The correct BuNo for this Sea Stallion is 164786.
The Sea Stallion is based at MCAF Kaneohe Bay/MCB Hawaii (HI) and is assigned to the Marine Air Group 24, 1st Marine Ar Wing. This commands the following squadrons at Kaneohe Bay
Photo by Spc. Jessica Scott/25th Infantry Division