This is the Navy's Largest Helicopter | MH-53 Sea Dragon

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2021
  • I was invited by the U.S. Navy to spend a day with the squadron that flies one of the largest military helicopters in the world. Weighing over 40,000 pounds and spanning 100 feet in length, this thing is truly the King of the Sky. I hope you all are ready to strap in for an up-close look at the MH-53 Sea Dragon.
    ► 🤖 Join the Discord! - / discord
    ► ✈️ Sign up for the Flyby Newsletter! - bit.ly/3VJEpfV
    Follow Me! ►
    INSTAGRAM: / sameckholm
    TWITTER: / sameckholm
    TIKTOK: / sameckholm
    Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter Here!
    www.sameckholm.com
    Big thanks to @Swayne Martin for helping film! You can check out his channel here:
    / martinsaviation1
    For More Information on HM-15, visit their Facebook Page here: rb.gy/c07ms0
    Special thanks to LT Antonio More and AWS1 Brad Caldbeck for the B-Roll:
    photo01aviation.smugmug.com
    And lastly, the Skipper, CDR Andrea M. Ragusa! Big shoutout to her.
    Where I Get My Music (+ 2 Months Free): tinyurl.com/3kry4ar7
    Adheres to AFI 1-1, USAF Social Media Policy
    Views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.
    --------------------------------------------
    EMAIL: ✉️
    contact@sameckholm.com
  • บันเทิง

ความคิดเห็น • 1.4K

  • @SamEckholm
    @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +518

    Hope you guys enjoyed the video! So I have to ask... which Navy aircraft would you want to ride in the most?

    • @timruskowski4923
      @timruskowski4923 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      C-2 Greyhound or the Super Hornet! I’d love to experience landing and taking off from an aircraft carrier.

    • @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593
      @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Either an F-18 or a Cobra

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      @@elijahkennedy-gibbens2593 F-18 would be sick

    • @madisynlange7402
      @madisynlange7402 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@SamEckholm I'd love to fly in a B2 Spirit Bomber tbh

    • @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593
      @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@SamEckholm ikr. It was my favorite fighter as a kid.

  • @metroidarcturus1943
    @metroidarcturus1943 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1570

    Everybody gangsta until the MH-53’s rotors stop immediately, fold, and the heli starts making weird sounds…

    • @colinkerr372
      @colinkerr372 3 ปีที่แล้ว +91

      HOLD YOUR FIRE!!!

    • @sissyneca7360
      @sissyneca7360 3 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      Underrated comment

    • @Sgetzter
      @Sgetzter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@colinkerr372 Stand by to engage!

    • @akaza_Snow_Compass
      @akaza_Snow_Compass 2 ปีที่แล้ว +66

      You mean transformers?

    • @tinorjack719
      @tinorjack719 2 ปีที่แล้ว +95

      And destroys a whole airforce base

  • @threatlevel_TACO
    @threatlevel_TACO 3 ปีที่แล้ว +510

    Flew 1300hrs with HM15 as a crew chief from 2011-2017. Glad to see you're showing them some love.

    • @buckleuputile2395
      @buckleuputile2395 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope to be aircrew on them, how was it? And what're you able to do after you get out?

    • @dalewright3667
      @dalewright3667 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @ Grayson Willard I flew as crew chief with Hm15 at Alameda NAS cali. 92 to 96 I lobe this beast

    • @atharv-uf5pt
      @atharv-uf5pt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dalewright3667cool brother

    • @Savage_Alex121
      @Savage_Alex121 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ur name is funny
      Military alphabet
      Wtf

    • @dharmikchauhan4957
      @dharmikchauhan4957 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@buckleuputile2395 ,

  • @will53e
    @will53e 3 ปีที่แล้ว +368

    I flew US Marine CH-53E's from 2006-2014. It's an amazing aircraft, and the men and women who maintain it are some of the smartest and hardest working people our nation has. I'd love to be able to take a few laps in the pattern with one again....

    • @ajbusmc2001
      @ajbusmc2001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      As a grunt, had the opportunity to ride in and be dropped off by CH-53's in Iraq and Afghanistan. Had alot of fun and it inspired me to get my private pilot and work towards flying OH-58's. Was wondering why they had a Stratus ADSB in a military aircraft. Is it required for military now?

    • @will53e
      @will53e 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@ajbusmc2001 Thanks for doing the hardest job there is! I EAS'd over 6 years ago, but I was an instructor on the 53 when I got out, and they were making available civilian Stratus type equipment to instructors at the time to reduce workload in certain situations. ADSB wasn't even a wink in the eye at that time, we just had the additional moving map capabilities with the Stratus. Nowadays perhaps legacy aircraft like....well any Navy or Marine rotor aircraft might use that to comply with ADSB requirements stateside. But the 53E certainly is more convenient to fly in the US airspace system with a puck and moving map. I've done plenty of hard IFR flying with nothing but the steam gauges to look at ha....but my instinct says they don't have to/aren't complying with ADSB. Just using it to make life easier.

    • @Bill_N_ATX
      @Bill_N_ATX 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ajbusmc2001 , as written above, its the cheapest way to bring modern technology to an old but proven design. Just like the Shuttle Orbiters were littered with laptops. Their avionics was 70’s technology but was tested seventeen ways to Sunday. Changing it would have cost billions and introduced a lot of risks, so they just used portables to introduce new tech. Today, when a new experiment or gadget goes on orbit to the ISS, if it needs computer support they fly a laptop with all the tools needed with the hardware. It goes home or over the side when the experiment is over. I’m sure they are doing the same thing with the Stratus. I’ve seen them on several AF and Navy aircraft in other videos. All the things that make it good for civilian aircraft make it pretty handy for the military too.
      I do have an ADSB receiver here at home along with SDR that I use to pluck aviation radio out of the skies. Occasionally you will see a military aircraft on ADSB, but often the only way I know they are there is listening to their frequencies and hearing them talk to controllers. I live near an airport that is a former Air Force base turned commercial airport but it still has a couple of Guard units on part of the facility. You can hear and see them visually taking off and landing but only occasionally do they turn the fish finder on.

    • @theMKill76
      @theMKill76 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      So much veterans. Which is good
      Thank y’all for your service

    • @WakeMarine
      @WakeMarine 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had a first class ticket once on a 53 Echo from Al-Jafr to the Boat. The inflight meal was amazing!

  • @jimcraig9882
    @jimcraig9882 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    We got picked up by one of these in Afghanistan, it landed in the field next to us and was bigger than the compound we was living in! It had been raining heavily the nite before so the helectopter sunk in the mud burying its landing gear and bedding its self in. We all climbed on, the pilot gave it full stick upwards screaming the engines, the whole thing shook like hell then we just popped out like a cork from the mud, such a machine! Great vid thank you🙏

  • @eddytheyeti4858
    @eddytheyeti4858 3 ปีที่แล้ว +350

    MW2 fans: “That’s the pave low”

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +100

      Haha I was thinking that the whole time. I was like “Who got the 9 kill streak!?”

    • @WorldEaterEnjoyer_01
      @WorldEaterEnjoyer_01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      and this also give's me bad flash backs to a certain mission.

    • @meek0o684
      @meek0o684 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      @@WorldEaterEnjoyer_01 we shall not talk about it
      *whispers* fucking Shepherd

    • @captaintophat4279
      @captaintophat4279 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      *Exits the Chopper* Good that's one less loose end.

    • @harshavardhan1733
      @harshavardhan1733 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@meek0o684 background 🎶??

  • @johncast9565
    @johncast9565 3 ปีที่แล้ว +109

    "It has enough fuel to fly for 6 hours"
    Some engineer: Lets make it so we can do air-to-air refueling.

    • @picklepee2771
      @picklepee2771 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol, but you never know

    • @JordanSantana.
      @JordanSantana. 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Some fly to Afghanistan and back ;)

    • @jackiecs8190
      @jackiecs8190 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      6 hours range, and air-to-air refueling, AND you can fit it in the back of a cargo plane

    • @ernestkomu4523
      @ernestkomu4523 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I guess 6hrs on land and out in the vast oceans mean two entirely different things, especially if the thing has to drag gizmos in the pond to detonate mines that may do ssrious harm to ships, subs and mermaids.

  • @Cyph3rX
    @Cyph3rX 3 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    You know your on an airforce or navy post when there are 5 dudes and 7 different camo patterns among them

    • @darkerbrother1
      @darkerbrother1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Are you counting Fatigues and Flight Suits or just Fatigues 😂

    • @Cyph3rX
      @Cyph3rX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@darkerbrother1 If I counted those I'd be way above the alloted fingers and toes us cav scouts compute with

    • @darkerbrother1
      @darkerbrother1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Cyph3rX Lol. I feel you. Back in the 70s when I was in 4 different kinds of fatigues and 3 different flight suits. When I got back to the World in 80 I came back with Tiger Stripe Fatigues and subdued everything. People just stared at me. I had no idea at the time that they were not allowed stateside. 😆. Just think how far uniforms have come from the old cotton fatigues

    • @Cyph3rX
      @Cyph3rX 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@darkerbrother1 Tiger stripe crye combat uniforms have been going on ebay for over 1300 dollars! Definitely a sweet pattern! Sounds like you've lived an interesting life did you gun or fly?

    • @darkerbrother1
      @darkerbrother1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Cyph3rX Aircrew that saw trigger time.

  • @jtmnavy
    @jtmnavy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +432

    I launch and recovered these helos in the Philippines on the George Washington CVN73

    • @scoobydoo2644
      @scoobydoo2644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      JTsuits!!! Your the man.

    • @jedidr4918
      @jedidr4918 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Reaction video?

    • @thebeastclub7277
      @thebeastclub7277 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Cool

    • @theMKill76
      @theMKill76 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I bet you’re in this video. Thanks for your service

    • @premelosv
      @premelosv 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      THE MAFIA

  • @erikbregnsbo9962
    @erikbregnsbo9962 3 ปีที่แล้ว +269

    I've said this before, and I'll say it again, your videos are so underrated, it's a common thing for people to exaggerate with support, but I'm not joking when I say that you could probably get a few hundred thousand subscribers if you keep this kind of quality up!

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Appreciate it!

    • @Arkdinotamer21
      @Arkdinotamer21 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Like he said but not just a few thousand but in a year or so you can reach million. Wish you good luck.

    • @jedidr4918
      @jedidr4918 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yea, 100% the quality is amazing, it’s just not a lot of people are interested in the military and all the fun toys they have.

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@jedidr4918 Over 300,000 people so far seem to be ☺️

    • @theMKill76
      @theMKill76 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m new here, but he makes good videos

  • @rickyism1576
    @rickyism1576 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Balls of steel. I served in the Marines and even I wouldn't get in a Navy helicopter if it wasn't necessary.

  • @thehunterstruck
    @thehunterstruck 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    I’ve experienced the Blackhawk and Chinook but let me tell you these bad boys and the Super Stallion counterpart are absolutely MASSIVE the Marines and Navy sure know how to show off huge helicopters.

    • @Nyctophiliac.
      @Nyctophiliac. ปีที่แล้ว

      the Pave Low is such a badass nickname too

  • @BenNstyle
    @BenNstyle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    The rotor wash coming off the sea dragon was massive, yet amazing!

    • @bluerallyes2
      @bluerallyes2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We used to bring the German CH-53 Sea Stallions in with 2 guys. One to marshall it in and the bigger guy to hold the marshaller steady 👌

    • @BenNstyle
      @BenNstyle 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bluerallyes2 😂😂

  • @SpectreNight
    @SpectreNight 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I love these giant chonkers, they're absolute UNITS!
    Also realized most people may find it ugly, like the A-10, but to me, the weirdly different/unique design makes these super appealing.

  • @stewiepid4385
    @stewiepid4385 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I wonder if they asked him to 'get a bucket of rotor wash'. US Navy checking in.

  • @miguelsanchez-nr9lw
    @miguelsanchez-nr9lw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    As A former NAVY HM -15 alum that Aircraft is a real piece of work but I'm glad it is getting some love. Things haven't change there from the looks of it.

  • @kaseymaxwell1486
    @kaseymaxwell1486 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    As a child, my step dad was assigned to HM-15 in the early 2000's when it was based in Corpus Christi. I walked through and sat in the cockpit of most of their aircraft when I was a kid. Really cool to see they they're still flying.

  • @BeanBurrito69
    @BeanBurrito69 3 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Absolutely loved it! I always known the MH-53 was a big helicopter, but it really put it into perspective when y’all walked alongside the fuel tanks. Although not a rotor-wing, this reminds me a lot of my first time flying on a C-130J; like you, my face was stuck to the window the whole time and I couldn’t help but walk around and ask about every mechanism inside! 😂

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It certainly is a beast! Glad you had the chance to ride on some cool aircraft too.

  • @StationZeroOne
    @StationZeroOne 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Recruiting PR got to a total new dimension these days ...

  • @badian37
    @badian37 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    My father flew the CH-53 in the Marine Corps; he retired shortly before the "Echo" model was online. He used to call it the "Superbird!" And he was always sorry he never got a chance to fly it! But he flew many ships that lead up to it!

  • @SwayneMartinPilot
    @SwayneMartinPilot 3 ปีที่แล้ว +510

    This thing is H.U.G.E.

    • @stephenbritton9297
      @stephenbritton9297 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      "that's what she (or in this case HE) said!" :) :) :) Sorry, couldn't resist!

    • @frankb3178
      @frankb3178 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      SM. You're correct. Live near Sikorsky Manufacturing plant in Connecticut and a family day there a few years ago brought two of these in. Didn't know these 'monsters' existed!

    • @notapplicable4567
      @notapplicable4567 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stephenbritton9297 lol

    • @stephenbritton9297
      @stephenbritton9297 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@frankb3178 I grew up in south east Trumbull, used to see Blackhawks regularly, but these bigger beasts were rare!

    • @px1_
      @px1_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh boy wait till you see the mi-8

  • @primalhauler8484
    @primalhauler8484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Sam: He protecc, he attacc but most importantly the aviation king is bacc.

  • @ScottRichardson_PPC
    @ScottRichardson_PPC 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Back in the 90's I worked at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Indianapolis and worked on the MH-53E MPS (mission planning system), specializing in the mine threat database and countermeasure algorithms. I spent a lot of time at Pax River during flight testing of the MPS as well as the old Naval Coastal Systems Center in Panama City, FL. We worked with HM-14 & HM-15. I never did make it to Norfolk, but did make it to Corpus Christi and Alameda before they closed it down.
    Thanks for a trip down memory lane!

    • @mpk6664
      @mpk6664 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wait... so let me get this straight? The NAVAL air warfare center is in Indianapolis? A place that's nowhere near water? (Unless you count the great lakes...)

  • @BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy
    @BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    9:31 - Who knew these bad boys had a Rear View Mirror on them? I surely didn’t! Pretty cool mate! Subscribed too BTW. 👍🏻🚁

  • @urbankixxfilming3451
    @urbankixxfilming3451 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Dude dont allow these haters with the thump down get to you, What you just did was the coolest thing ever and they mad they couldn't do it, check mark one on your bucket list.

  • @perniciousreaper4393
    @perniciousreaper4393 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I spent the first 18 months of my time as an aerial gunner on the USAF variant of this bird, the Pave Low, before it was phased out for the CV-22. I absolutely adored the hell out of that platform! I transitioned over to the HH-60 Pave Hawk for the remainder of my service, and while I grew to enjoy it as well, the -53 will always be near and dear to my heart.

  • @Juiceman-fz6pm
    @Juiceman-fz6pm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    He is so right about the hydraulic fluid leaking. My first experience riding the Marine Corps CH53 was on USS Saipan and we were going to Camp Shoup in Kuwait for the 2003 OIF. We didn’t remove our rucksack so it was the one on the seats. It was only a 30 minute ride, but I was lucky to sit below a dripping hydraulic line and I could not move because of the rucksack sitting. The fluid was warm too and by the time we landed in Kuwait my kevlar helmet cover had so many drip marks. Fun times!
    Stay safe everyone and have a great day.

  • @paulscheinberg2414
    @paulscheinberg2414 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video! Brings back great memories of my Navy days (1973-1976) serving as Squadron Flight Surgeon of HM12, THE ORIGINAL airborne mine-countermeasure squadron in Norfolk, when they were just figuring out the kinks in the mission. The old CH53’s were just then being replaced by the newer, more powerful RH53D. I spent lots of time flying with them, both at home & abroad on deployments in crucial geopolitical missions.

  • @abestaac
    @abestaac 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I was on a dart team in 2013 south Korea , one of these went down in a training exercise with the marine corp . we cut and packed all the wreckage into two medium size sea containers. Nobody lost a life in the accident but some injuries. Pretty lucky considering there was around 12 people on board.

  • @georgiabowhunter
    @georgiabowhunter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    Leave it to the Air Force guy to talk about getting a little hot and dirty.

    • @chaz2020
      @chaz2020 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂

    • @nicojavier6649
      @nicojavier6649 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      No matter what branch, maintainers always get hot and dirty. 👀

    • @danieljosephdelta44semperfi
      @danieljosephdelta44semperfi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My sentiments exactly I would like to see his reaction in my amphibious assault vehicle at the Marine Corps Air ground combat Center in the desert of Twentynine Palms 1980 LOL Semper Fi

  • @mendodave
    @mendodave 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I was digging you enthusiasm for wearing the cranial. It isn’t the most comfortable thing and I always hated wearing them, but it does provide your head, eyes and ears some protection. Actually some nice gel pads on the ear piece makes a world of difference.

  • @vindoll6237
    @vindoll6237 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    To all the military whom put this together and watching, Thank you for all your service!

  • @LaVieBoheme517
    @LaVieBoheme517 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This brings me back to aircrew school and training in both Norfolk and Pensacola on the Sea Dragon. The most vivid memory of that seeing all the gear you have on and having the jump in the pool and swim a mile with it. Boots don't give you any traction in the water either! lol thanks for the blast from the past!

  • @jerryh9475
    @jerryh9475 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I was a Marine back in the 70’s who was shuttled around on the CH47 and CH53, noisy, scared but also a rush. The scariest was flying off of and landing on the USS Iwo Jima LHD 7

    • @Leo.407
      @Leo.407 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sailed with the Iwo Jima on a few deployments, I was a crew member on the Ponce (LPD-15)...we could fit two of these on our flight deck, can still remember the serious rotor wash, didn't brace well enough once and almost went swimming 😄

  • @afcgeo882
    @afcgeo882 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Many people may not know, but USAF operated MH-53s as heavy lift, CSAR and then special operations helicopters until their retirement in 2008. The last version was the MH-53M Pave Low IV.
    They were replaced by the CV-22B.

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thunderbolt They were very capable, very safe and saved a ton of lives. They were the only helos flying in the Afghan mountains with success. Their power at high altitudes was unmatched. They were retired because they were old and maintenance hogs.

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thunderbolt USAF never had 3-engine models and that CO has nothing to do with any crash. You know they’re just COs for 3 years, right? The last 53 crash with a Navy bird was in 2014. She wasn’t a CO 7 years ago.

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thunderbolt This video is about the sailors and equipment of the US Navy. It is not a commentary on design, maintenance or accidents. There is a proper time and venue to bring up the issue you’re bringing up. This simply isn’t it. I’m sure you can make a video about your issue. That’s not the topic here.

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thunderbolt The actual FACT is that you were, and are completely ignorant to the issues at hand and what has or hasn’t been done to resolve issues with the #2 engine on the E model. You started off by commenting on the Pave Low, which never had the issue in the first place, out of ignorance. You continued to comment on the Navy version without knowing that the vast majority of the E model crashes were due to FOD and not mechanical deficiencies, out of ignorance. You blame the CO of the squadron for issues decades ago, out of ignorance, and you blame the Navy for having done nothing, despite the fact that they and Sikorski have always continued to repair and re-design the deficiencies, again, out of ignorance. Do yourself a huge favor: take yourself and your ignorance elsewhere.

  • @jeffreytan2948
    @jeffreytan2948 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Title: King of the Sky. The Navy's Largest Helicopter.
    --
    Mi-26: Hold my Chinook...

  • @danmcguire7728
    @danmcguire7728 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Sam, way to capture a big dream of mine, getting up close to 'The Beast', Il bet that thing rattles light a HUGE bucket of bolts! Great video capture (thanks Swayne!) and awesome music in the background. I have two brothers that served many years in the Air Force and very proud of those who serve. You both make a great video/artistic team!

  • @57thEvilSquirrel
    @57thEvilSquirrel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Oh man this is so awesome! I served with their sister squadron, HM-14. I was an SK working in the tool room. Its always a beautiful thing when the AMCM community gets love.

  • @bTusler
    @bTusler ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the memories, I am a plank owner of the HM-15 BlackHawks I was CDI-003, worked in the Mech shop back when we did the Home Port change to Alameda CA. I was the last one to see my friends alive on ACFT 06 that fateful day. It was a real privilege to work with the great people in that squadron on such an iconic helicopter. Good to see you guys are back in Norfolk and still lifting the heavy stuff!

    • @SchusterJames
      @SchusterJames 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Me too bro!! I made the move to Alameda, accepted every bird from Sikorsky!!

    • @bTusler
      @bTusler 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@SchusterJames Right on, remember how the factory had the engine wash lines hooked up to the wrong engines.

  • @matthewbyrd2329
    @matthewbyrd2329 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I was in the sister squadron, HM-14 Vanguard.

  • @nohaboy100
    @nohaboy100 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Lead acft in Desert Storm were USAF Special Ops MH-53J's. Amazing to see this awesome acft still flying.

  • @stewarthill5878
    @stewarthill5878 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Sam, thanks for sharing these great videos for us. What a great way to show potential new members of the different military groups we have and career’s.

  • @anthonyn780
    @anthonyn780 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    These videos are moto as heck, and not in the bad cringey way, super professional.

  • @steaton165
    @steaton165 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was a CH53 Crew Chief in south & No.Vn72/73.These were D models. We threw ALL the Sound padding/ Insulation away! I have gone 220 Kts w/ 10 folks on board & a couple of Hyd. pigs on board. Rite over the waves into DanangRVN. Semper Fi.

  • @mikercflyer7383
    @mikercflyer7383 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Awesome video Sam. Reminds me of some videos showing service man parachuting out the back of this beast.

  • @lasstwill
    @lasstwill 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Former HM-15 bubba here... gotta love big iron!!

  • @DDubya004
    @DDubya004 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was in HM-15 from 2005-2009. This brings back some cool memories. Now I'm a Flight Engineer on the KC-10A in the Air Force. Very cool vid.

  • @michaelkubis7573
    @michaelkubis7573 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I’ve ridden on them and hauled them many, many times. Those things are a BEAST!!!

    • @troyskeete8372
      @troyskeete8372 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hauled them? May I ask what you piloted sir? I am very intrigued!

  • @SudhirRaja23
    @SudhirRaja23 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That was a great experience to watch by itself, let alone to have an opportunity to fly in it. Thanks for making and sharing this video about an incredible aircraft (or should I say Beast of the skies!). Shout out to all the men and women on the frontlines everywhere. Stay safe.

  • @darrelllee2107
    @darrelllee2107 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I was on JTF Katrina (after Hurricane Katrina) and, though in the Air Force, had the opportunity to fly in one of these a few times as we conducted operations delivering relief to New Orleans. (Crazy thing - when we were delivering supplies, the gangs were literally shooting at us.)

    • @jasanpahaf
      @jasanpahaf 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      and people complain why sending armed personnel for humanitarian ops

  • @MsixtyA3
    @MsixtyA3 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video LT. I've seen the MH-53's from HM-14 "Vanguard" at NASNI a few years ago. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

  • @UncleMoishe
    @UncleMoishe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thanks so much for posting this video. I have ridden across the bridge tunnel there many many times since I was a little kid and have always wondered what was “over there” . You gave me a grand tour.
    Thanks again. I’ve always always been mesmerized by the size of the Sea Knight helicopter .

  • @Drewinsk
    @Drewinsk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter and this makes me want to fly even more

    • @micsierra806
      @micsierra806 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      These are pretty boring. The shitters (53s) feel just like a commercial airline ride just because they are so large. Ospreys give you a rush if you have a pilot that likes to pull pitch. Find a Kiowa pilot if you want a wild ride. Those are the crazy ones.

    • @JonathanGurgul
      @JonathanGurgul 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Go fly one! It’s fun

    • @thegreatdogzilla5855
      @thegreatdogzilla5855 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@micsierra806 Kiowa is not in use anymore.

    • @ascherlafayette8572
      @ascherlafayette8572 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      200 bucks and you'll get a whole introductory flight lesson

    • @Cumfart6
      @Cumfart6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@thegreatdogzilla5855 they are tho

  • @demirdagg5015
    @demirdagg5015 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you Sam for this video.Keep up the good work!

  • @dwnnotout
    @dwnnotout 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love your channel. Found you through Swayne's channel. Your camera work is amazing. Keep up the good work!!!

  • @bradlavassaur8265
    @bradlavassaur8265 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Simply awesome!! Dude, you get into some of the most awesome situations. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your videos

  • @derintosun7856
    @derintosun7856 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    This helicopter gives me chills because of Transformers.

    • @isaiahbattle547
      @isaiahbattle547 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😂😂😂😂 blackout was a gangsta lol

    • @thetechlibrarian
      @thetechlibrarian 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mh pilot shut down your aircraft or you will be fired on.

  • @phrogpilot73
    @phrogpilot73 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Now that's a video that brings back some memories, since I flew out of NAS Norfolk for many years. I see you launched from the seawall, did a pier transition to the south and finished up at Felker AAF. Towards the end of your video, when you were in the fuel pits - my old squadron was behind you (the MV-22 squadron, I retired before they transitioned from CH-46Es). Thanks for a great video!

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome memories for sure!

  • @briangraezer3416
    @briangraezer3416 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    8:58 haha that's an old saying "if it ain't leaking, it ain't working". As a MH-60S crewman a leakage found is a cause for a flight recall and system inspection lol. Good job on the video.

  • @erivon2234
    @erivon2234 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    1989-1991 I was there but HM-15 was a West Coast SQD. I was at NAS Norfolk and was with HM-12 and HM-14, went to Op. Desert Storm/Shield with Hm-14 DET-2. my uncle is a plank owner at HM-12. worked that flight line in the middle of winter. crazy flash backs there mate

  • @littlesherm
    @littlesherm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Really fun video. I remember my first time in one, I was soaked in hydraulic fluid and was super concerned and told the flight crew... they laughed.

  • @RyanLee-kt9uq
    @RyanLee-kt9uq 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    When I was assigned to my depts SWAT team we had the awesome opportunity to take a “familiarization ride” with a US ARMY Blackhawk Squadron out of joint base Cape Cod. We did Nap of the earth at low levels and was absolutely blown away at just how fast and maneuverable the Blackhawk is. By far the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced with my clothes on lol.

  • @jonathanevans1447
    @jonathanevans1447 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How cool is this?! Thanks for showing aspects we would not otherwise see. Keep up the great work.

  • @skookapalooza2016
    @skookapalooza2016 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That looks like fun. That's some serious helicopter. I believe that's the heaviest lifting helo in the present day U.S. Military inventory.

  • @calebmarkowski9192
    @calebmarkowski9192 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Should do a pave hawk rescue squadron next! Love this video!

  • @jdean2131
    @jdean2131 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video. Got about an hour flight time in it during fleet week while I was was pilot training for the Navy. Aside from the H60 It’s is the Cadillac of Helicopters. Great video. Great commentary as well.

  • @jameshalfhill9919
    @jameshalfhill9919 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dad was with HM-12 and was a plank owner of HM-14. I grew up running around those hangers at NAS Norfolk.

  • @aidenburgess9826
    @aidenburgess9826 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was cool to watch, I work across the street at VAW124, enjoyed seeing what the other squadrons on the base do!

  • @IIIMoodyIII
    @IIIMoodyIII 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    5:48 „we have to head inside and grab some beer“
    sounds good

    • @Gatorgetfresh
      @Gatorgetfresh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      He was my Lt 😂 good guy

  • @clsanders98
    @clsanders98 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In 28 years in the Marine Corps it was the smoothest ride I ever had in a helicopter.

  • @thomasr3805
    @thomasr3805 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    SO many things to keep maintained. That interior was so impressive. Probably miles of lines and wiring

  • @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593
    @elijahkennedy-gibbens2593 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey man! Saw ur post about this vid yesterday and couldn’t wait. Looks great! Imma watch it now...

  • @Dirkbob1
    @Dirkbob1 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This channel is the best USAF recruiter in the world! I love your stuff Sam keep it up!!!!

  • @brianwood2033
    @brianwood2033 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    But that is a beast of a helicopter, although the ride I took was in the Marine Corp variation, we took their crew for a ride in ours, and they returned the favor.

  • @james07jamesjames
    @james07jamesjames 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You’re channel will def reach 1M in no time. Greats shots and great content. See you on top man!

  • @Cinziaking
    @Cinziaking 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hey Sam, I really enjoyed learning about this awesome aircraft in your well done video! Maybe if the music was more in the background though?

  • @taylorj959a
    @taylorj959a 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I enjoyed your video as I live on the Outer Banks and travel to Tidewater often so I am familiar with many of the backgrounds in your video.

  • @jes2731
    @jes2731 ปีที่แล้ว

    Back in the day (1989-1992) while stationed at NAS Cubi Pt. AIMD's Airframes shop. We'd constantly get those huge intake assemblies in for repair and the fold out boarding steps. Oh... and cable builds, we'd manufacture cables for days. Oddly enough, I don't recall much else coming in for repair from them.

  • @sofyalizzy8927
    @sofyalizzy8927 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    God bless & protect our military! Thank you Veterans & active duty for your service. 🙏❤🇺🇲

  • @aditya9337
    @aditya9337 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Meanwhile Mi-26 Laughing in Corner After watching This😅😅

  • @Arkdinotamer21
    @Arkdinotamer21 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You have made me want to join the Airforce. You are doing good.

  • @thudleeorngassmannringger8783
    @thudleeorngassmannringger8783 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for sharing this video😘..amazing!..so excited to watch you on MH-53!Wow!Cool!

  • @jimmysmith5418
    @jimmysmith5418 ปีที่แล้ว

    MH-53 pave low. Much respect from the NZDF (New Zealand 🇳🇿 Army)

  • @hasahmed
    @hasahmed 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow, I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and you're seriously underrated! The content never fails to amaze me.

  • @caribbaviator7058
    @caribbaviator7058 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    She is a beast I was fortunate to see the Super Stallion version over our house few months ago huge and loud my neighbors literally filed a complaint when one passed low around 1am 😅

  • @jeremy41234
    @jeremy41234 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    very cool they let you do this. loved learning about these fellas

  • @Pinkielover
    @Pinkielover 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That one flight cost could feed and house me for life

  • @darktoadone5068
    @darktoadone5068 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    When I was on the USS Independence in Japan they would land between cats 1 & 2 and the rotors were so long they would extend over the catwalks port and starboard side. HC-4 Black Stallions.

  • @manishtaker8622
    @manishtaker8622 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Now imagine mi 26 which can literally carry this helo both are amazing piece of engineering

    • @RainlineX
      @RainlineX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Mi26 picks up a chinook

  • @dhakaboy1
    @dhakaboy1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As an Aeronautical Engineer with my first ever job was on Helicopter rotor transmission systems, I wad give my right arm to be up close to one of these giants ! Basically a C-130 with rotor blades !

  • @adindaningtyas9600
    @adindaningtyas9600 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Launching and landing on a aircraft carrier is a different experience. Got to do on a C-2 but hopefully I get to do so in an F/A-18 or a E/A-18 in the future. Currently in my last semester of ROTC and got assigned Naval Flight Officer .

  • @HvyMetal4Ever
    @HvyMetal4Ever 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I worked next door to these at MCBH and they truly are a wonder. I was working on SH-60B helicopters and they looked so dainty next to one of these. The cranial looks cool, but after wearing them for about 4 hours, they get hot, wet, and nasty.
    Fixed-wing guys make talk shit about Helo's, but they better remember that it's going to be a helo pulling their ass out of danger.

    • @jpickUSMC
      @jpickUSMC 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      When were you there? I was next door to you guys from 2010 to 2014 at 463

    • @HvyMetal4Ever
      @HvyMetal4Ever 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jpickUSMC
      98-00
      103
      HSL-37

  • @adhirajkar7396
    @adhirajkar7396 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Mi-26 laughing from behind

  • @sandraramirez3650
    @sandraramirez3650 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Almost forgot, HM-16 I'll fated rescue attempt on Iranian 52 hostages. Great duty great Squadron. Found some but not all of my patches. Sewn on a jacket for me by my wife (Sandy)lots of great stories to tell. AE5 Frank R Ramirez

  • @chrissr6640
    @chrissr6640 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Those things look awesome! I rode in blackhawks and chinooks, which were awesome!! I never had the opportunity to fly in one of these, I bet it's like a cadillac.

  • @philipcooksey3422
    @philipcooksey3422 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A unique air force opportunity for you Sam, the Holloman high speed test track. I work there and think you could make an awesome video of it

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Will check it out!!

  • @timruskowski4923
    @timruskowski4923 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The Sea Dragon is by far one of the most amazing sounding helicopters in the U.S military. Great video Sam!

    • @SamEckholm
      @SamEckholm  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Sounds pretty epic!

    • @aeroheadlifeblog6402
      @aeroheadlifeblog6402 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SamEckholm what music was in the beginning of the video?

  • @amfwelsh
    @amfwelsh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Both you guys have great channels. Love to you both

  • @jamieorton6809
    @jamieorton6809 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant content. Love this sort of machinery. How can you not. Needs to be celebrated,

  • @tmay092698
    @tmay092698 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    “If it ain’t leaking, it’s empty” that’s what we say with the CH-53E Super Stallion on the Marines. Maybe there’s a way you could do the Ch-53 next

    • @Locutus494
      @Locutus494 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's the same thing basically, just with smaller tanks and none of the specialized minesweeping gear. Now, the CH-53K King Stallion would be worth doing a separate piece on; THAT thing is a beast!

    • @tmay092698
      @tmay092698 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Locutus494 Trust me I get that, I work on the CH. and their missions are enough different that it would definitely make a good film. How the squadron is run and the style of missions we do is completely different. I have no idea what experience you have with the Supreme Stallion so I’m not belittling you or your knowledge and it’s the same on your side