Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Boeing / Vertol CH-46A / E Sea Knight
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008
1. Boeing/Vertol CH-46A/E Sea Knight Marker
The Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor cargo helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks include combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and rearming points, medivac and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). This example on display was built in 1967 and underwent continuous upgrades and modifications during its service life. It was in continuous service in every major conflict with the USMC until it was damaged after a hard landing in Iraq in June 2004. During its service in Vietnam, it was involved in a rescue mission on January 30, 1970 during which the crew chief PFC Raymond “Mike” Clausen’s heroic deeds resulted in his being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Please read the story of that mission on the black granite marker nearby. This display is dedicated to him, his crew and all who flew this type of helicopter.
Specifications
Type: Cargo Helicopter
Manufacturer: Boeing Vertol Corporation
Status: Active, but being replaced by the MV-22 Osprey (Tilt Rotor)
Numbers Built: 600+
Crew:4: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief, 1 aerial gunner/observer
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Capacity: 25 troops
Length: 45 ft. 8 in. fuselage
Fuselage Width: 7 ft. 3 in.
Max Speed: 165 mph
Combat Radius: 184 miles
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, 2nd Iraq • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1970.
Location. 35° 13.481′ N, 80° 55.966′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Marker can be reached from 1st Flight Drive west of Minuteman Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker and helicopter are located on the grounds of the Carolina Aviation Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4672 1st Flight Drive, Charlotte NC 28208, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. PFC Raymond “Mike” Clausen Memorial (here, next to this marker); Charlotte Speedway (approx. one mile away); Graham Family Homeplace (approx. 2.8 miles away); Camp Greene (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named Camp Greene (approx. 3.1 miles away); Steele Creek Church (approx. 3.2 miles away);
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008
2. Boeing/Vertol CH-46A/E Sea Knight Helicopter
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008
3. PFC Raymond "Mike" Calusen Memorial
PFC Clausen was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic action during a rescue mission in this Sea Knight helicopter.
Photographed By Don Morfe
4. Medal of Honor Mission Crew
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008
5. Carolinas Aviation Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 842 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on January 10, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on March 11, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
