Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
VH-34C / H-34C Choctaw
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. VH-34C / H-34C Choctaw Marker
Inscription.
VH-34C, also, H-34C Choctaw. . , The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw first flew on March 8, 1954 and the Army brought it into service in 1955 as a transport vehicle. The Choctaw was one of the Army's two standard light helicopters. It was to be used to transport supplies, equipment and personnel, as well as medical evacuation.
The Choctaw was considered so safe and reliable that in 1957 the Secret Service determined that a helicopter would be a safer, more efficient and cost effective way for the President to travel. The White House contacted Sikorsky and asked them to upgrade the H-34 for use as a Presidential helicopter. Some of the modifications included flotation devices attached to the landing gear, automatic stabilization, telephone communication for the President, soundproofing in the cabin, padded upholstery, window curtains, carpet, air-conditioning, and an enlarged window. The upgraded H-34 was given the new designation VH-34. The VH-34 served as the Presidential helicopter from 1958 to 1963 when it was replaced by the CH-3A.
The Army's Executive Flight Detachment began in the fall of 1957, under President Eisenhower. The Marines would soon come onboard with Marine Helicopter Squadron One and the mission would be shared for the next 18 ½ years. The Marine Corps would completely take over the mission in 1976, under President Ford.
The VH-34C Choctaw, tail number 57-1725 started with the Army as a H-34A before being converted to a H-34C. It was one of the first Choctaws to be changed over to a VH-34C and was then assigned to the Executive Flight Detachment. This aircraft served President Kennedy before being replaced by the CH-3. This aircraft then moved to the Virginia Army National Guard before it was retired and came to the mission.
The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw first flew on March 8, 1954 and the Army brought it into service in 1955 as a transport vehicle. The Choctaw was one of the Army's two standard light helicopters. It was to be used to transport supplies, equipment and personnel, as well as medical evacuation.
The Choctaw was considered so safe and reliable that in 1957 the Secret Service determined that a helicopter would be a safer, more efficient and cost effective way for the President to travel. The White House contacted Sikorsky and asked them to upgrade the H-34 for use as a Presidential helicopter. Some of the modifications included flotation devices attached to the landing gear, automatic stabilization, telephone communication for the President, soundproofing in the cabin, padded upholstery, window curtains, carpet, air-conditioning, and an enlarged window. The upgraded H-34 was given the new designation VH-34. The VH-34 served as the Presidential helicopter from 1958 to 1963 when it was replaced by the CH-3A.
The Army's Executive Flight Detachment began in the fall of 1957, under President Eisenhower. The Marines would soon come onboard with Marine Helicopter Squadron One and the mission would be shared for the next 18 ½ years. The Marine Corps would completely take over the mission in 1976, under President Ford.
The VH-34C
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Choctaw, tail number 57-1725 started with the Army as a H-34A before being converted to a H-34C. It was one of the first Choctaws to be changed over to a VH-34C and was then assigned to the Executive Flight Detachment. This aircraft served President Kennedy before being replaced by the CH-3. This aircraft then moved to the Virginia Army National Guard before it was retired and came to the mission.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum. (Marker Number 28.)
Location. 37° 9.835′ N, 76° 34.58′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached from Washington Boulevard just north of Jefferson Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 395 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
