b'MARINE CORPS CH-53K MARINE CORPS CH-53K EXECUTES HEAVY LIFT IN EXECUTES HEAVY LIFT IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONSCHALLENGING CONDITIONSStory by Maj. Jorge HernandezA Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion liftsa Navy MH-60S Knighthawk Helicopter.Communication Directorate Sept. 21, 2021 U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Therese Edwardswww.dvidshub.net/news/405701/marine-corps-ch-53k-executes-heavy-lift-challenging-conditionsOn Sept. 5, 2021, Marines in two CH-53K King StallionsPMA-261, said Colonel Byron Sullivan, the Commanding from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1)Officer of VMX-1.successfully executed the recovery of a downed NavyThis accomplishment highlighted the Marine Corps efforts MH-60S helicopter in the White Mountain Range 20 milesto retain a next-generation heavy lift capability in support of to the north of Bishop, CA. The mission to lift the 15,200 lb.the services future operating concept. Marine Corps aviation search and rescue helicopter involved challenging conditionslooks to the CH-53K as a much needed replacement for its at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet above sea level. current heavy lift helicopters.VMX-1 viewed the recovery as an opportunity to operationallyThe CH-53K is intended to be a critical enabler for the evaluate the CH-53K in a unique and extreme environment. execution of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, The VMX-1 Heavy Lift Detachment was operating outproviding logistics support to a forward-deployed,of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC)distributed force. It is designed to provide greaterTwentynine Palms conducting a strenuous period ofpayload capability in all environments, at both sea-leveloperational test on the aircraft, which was in its secondand high-altitude conditions. VMX-1s conduct of CH-53K month of Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). IOT&E provides the opportunity for the Marine Corps to This lift was made possible by planners at all levels invalidate the aircrafts performance and ability to meet the VMX-1, 1st Landing Support Battalion (LSB), NAS Fallonservices needs prior to full rate production.Maintenance and their Search and Rescue Team, as well asVMX-1s Marines had just completed one of the most8 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine HOctober 2021H Thank You For Your Service'