Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Sikorsky CH-53A Sea Stallion

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 14, 1999

1. Sikorsky CH-53A Sea Stallion Marker

Inscription. The CH-53A, the predecessor of America’s largest helicopter today, the CH-53E, was first flown in October 1964 and began entering service in 1966. Within 16,000 lb of cargo capacity, this large all-weather-capable helicopter could carry two jeeps, 105 mm howitzer, or 38 fully-equipped combat troops, giving the Marines valuable mobility in Vietnam. The CH-53A has also demonstrated the impressive ability to perform loops and barrel rolls and in April 1968, a Marine Corps CH-53A made the first automatic terrain clearance flight in helicopter history. For shipboard stowage, the Sea Stallion’s rotor blades and tail pylon folded hydraulically.

The helicopter displayed was the third CH-53A to roll off the production line. Entering service with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 363 in 1968, it was transferred to the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, PA, in 1971 as a development aircraft, pioneering advanced technologies. Some of these technologies include Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) and the Helicopter Night Vision System (HNVS), both of which gained public attention for their role in Desert Strom. After being involved in research right up to the Gulf War, this helicopter was retired to the museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space

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• War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • War, Vietnam.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 16.571′ N, 76° 27.683′ W. Marker was in Lexington Park, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker was on Three Notch Road (SR 235). The marker is on the grounds of the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Lexington Park MD 20653, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Bell TH-1L Iroquois (a few steps from this marker); Boeing Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight (a few steps from this marker); Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite (within shouting distance of this marker); Lockheed S-3B Viking (within shouting distance of this marker); Boeing X-32B JSF Demonstrator (within shouting distance of this marker); Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (within shouting distance of this

Sikorsky CH-53A Sea Stallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 14, 1999

2. Sikorsky CH-53A Sea Stallion

marker); McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet (within shouting distance of this marker); North American RA-5C Vigilante (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington Park.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum-building entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 14, 1999

3. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum-building entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.