Patuxent River, MD — After five years of effort, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum added a new display helicopter to its fleet.

A retired SH-3A Sea King helicopter landed at its final resting place May 15 at the museum and its legacy was celebrated at a ceremony hosted by the American Helicopter Society (AHS) on May 21.

“This kind of event is rare in its frequency and priceless in the kind stories that will be shared here today,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Pridgen, the program manager of the Presidential Helicopters program office (PMA-274), during the ceremony. “It took a number of folks to get the aircraft where it is today, and what a tribute to the support of all the individuals who had their hands in this.” PMA-274 was instrumental in coordinating the helicopter’s passage to the museum.

At more than 54 feet in length with a 62-foot rotor diameter, the mighty SH-3A Sea King helicopter sits in its final spot at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Designed as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the aircraft holds a number of aviation firsts, including the first twin-turbine helicopter and the first all-weather helicopter. (U.S. Navy photo)
At more than 54 feet in length with a 62-foot rotor diameter, the mighty SH-3A Sea King helicopter sits in its final spot at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Designed as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the aircraft holds a number of aviation firsts, including the first twin-turbine helicopter and the first all-weather helicopter. (U.S. Navy photo)

The story of the aircraft’s journey to the museum began in 2009 at the retirement ceremony for the last H-3 helicopter in the U.S. Navy fleet. At that time, there was no H-3 in the museum, and the audience collectively vowed to obtain one for the museum. The Patuxent River Chapter of the AHS took on the task.

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Patuxent River Naval Air Museum adds new helicopter to its fleet

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