By Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Public Affairs
Two US Marine Corps CH-53E helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) squadron 361 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., performed daytime and nighttime operations at the Seaplane Base Survival area June 20, 2019. They are scheduled to train in the area again June 21.
The CH-53E is a large helicopter and should be noticeable to people living near Seaplane Base areas. The HMH-361 unit is conducting training missions this month with Army units at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). Due to simultaneous Army Aviation Brigade exercises at the Army’s Yakima training range, the Marines requested use of Navy training areas on Whidbey Island for critical required training.
The Navy’s Seaplane Base Survival Area on Crescent Harbor is a critical national security asset that provides essential training for military helicopter crews and other special operations units. Operationally, the USMC requested activity fits within historical and planned use of the Seaplane Base Survival Area and is covered under the 2010 Northwest Training Range Complex EIS.
(U.S. Navy photos by Petty Officer 1st Class James Bolden)
Homeport Northwest 