CH-46 Squadrons moving to Hawaii???

[46Driver]

Rumor going around concerning re-assigning of some Marine Corps helo squadrons. Sounds like one of the CH-53D squadrons is moving from Hawaii to Okinawa. Because of our agreements with Okinawa, one of the CH-46E squadrons based there will move to Hawaii - along with some West Coast Phrog squadrons moving to Hawaii.

Couple of things seem obvious. The CH-53E's are overstretched and it sounds like the CH-53D's will now be used for the heavy lift part of the 31st MEU. Also sounds like they are starting to move some of the squadrons out of the West Coast - in preparation for the next round of base closings???

Anybody got any leads?

 

[Q-ball]

This is what was passed to us from Gen Hough (Asst. Commadant for Aviation). The two 46 squadrons in Okinawa will be moved to Hawaii. The three 53D squadrons in Hawaii will be moving to Japan in order to support WestPAC. He explained it as a way to facilitate the MV-22 conversion that I really didn't understand. His goal is to start the transition as early as next year. Looks like it's gonna be a hard sell to have kids select 53D's Japan. I've also heard that they are going to be shutting dowm HMT-301 (53D FRS) sometime this fall. I'm not sure how they are going to continue training new RACS.
Yes, we are stretched out in the 53 community. They activated the West Coast reservisist in order to support OIF2.

 

[towbubba]

This is what was passed to us from Gen Hough (Asst. Commadant for Aviation). The two 46 squadrons in Okinawa will be moved to Hawaii. The three 53D squadrons in Hawaii will be moving to Japan in order to support WestPAC. He explained it as a way to facilitate the MV-22 conversion that I really didn't understand. His goal is to start the transition as early as next year. Looks like it's gonna be a hard sell to have kids select 53D's Japan. I've also heard that they are going to be shutting dowm HMT-301 (53D FRS) sometime this fall. I'm not sure how they are going to continue training new RACS.
Yes, we are stretched out in the 53 community. They activated the West Coast reservisist in order to support OIF2.

I would love to go to Japan accompanied and I don't care what helo I fly in the Corps. When will this duty station be available? Can it be accompanied and can you stay there your whole tour with family?

 

[buckeyes366]

I just got out of Hawaii 53D's gosh im glade if this becomes true. We were so short on people and supplies, i cant even imagine it happening. Anyone know anyone from HMH-366.

Drop the 46 53D 22 and by another 200 E's

Also I would never use the term heavy lift and 53D in the same sentence. The old girl just dont have it in her anymore.

 

[Peatie]

From HMH 366

I can proudly say that I was with HMH 366, never seen a finer bunch of marines......I miss all my brothers. Yes the poor girl is on her last legs, but hell we did so much with so little for so long....can this to up that aircraft....then recan the part again. I miss all of my old squadron mates and well even some from 466.....still remember the day when someone hung many dead hammerhead sharks in the hangar. Take care all of you....and I will never forget the fun we had.

Peatie
Cpl Pedregon
HMH-366 95-98
VMFA112 98-02

 

[Eagle32]

Rumor going around concerning re-assigning of some Marine Corps helo squadrons. Sounds like one of the CH-53D squadrons is moving from Hawaii to Okinawa. Because of our agreements with Okinawa, one of the CH-46E squadrons based there will move to Hawaii - along with some West Coast Phrog squadrons moving to Hawaii.

Couple of things seem obvious. The CH-53E's are overstretched and it sounds like the CH-53D's will now be used for the heavy lift part of the 31st MEU. Also sounds like they are starting to move some of the squadrons out of the West Coast - in preparation for the next round of base closings???

Anybody got any leads?

Great!!! More helos to play with in the pattern at K-Bay! There goes the bar scene in Kailua, oh yeah, it is already pretty bad.
FLY NAVY!

 

[KBayDog]

The bar scene in Kailua? There is NOTHING like $1 screwdrivers/bloody Mary's at The Shack at 0700 on Sunday morning, as you watch LIVE NFL football!

 

[webmaster]

There goes the neighborhood at K-bay!!! Not mention the pattern, remember you 46s, the runway is ours, stick to the pads where you belong.

Eagle hit it right on the head, VP and HSL is the only thing goind for the bar scene at the Kbay Oclub....

Seriously though, did some good work with the 53s there, and knew some of the pilots, hardworking group with more maint issues than even the P3 has to put up with. Enjoy Okinawa, but don't know how receptive the local populace will be after the latest incident.... sigh...