“HMX-1 is the placewhere helicopter innovations

began and where they continue todayin the squadron’s Operational Test

and Evaluation Department.”

Lt. Gen. T. R. DakeDeputy Chief of Staff for Aviation (Marine Corps)

12 Naval Aviation News May–June 1997

HMX-1“The First and Finest”

By Chuck Lloyd and Rick Llinares

Everyone likes to feel special on their birth-day, and Marine Helicopter Squadron(HMX) One is no exception. But it hasalways been easy for the Nighthawksto

stand out from the crowd. HMX-1 is the sole heli-copter transport squadron for the president of theUnited States, and stands alone in its role of testingand evaluating helicopter systems for the FleetMarine Force. Celebrating its 50th birthday thisyear, HMX-1’s greatest distinction may be its specialplace in history as the first U.S. Marine Corps helicopter squadron ever established.

From Flying Bananasto Hueys

The Marine Corps took its firstserious look at rotary-wing air-craft in 1932 with an evaluation ofa Pitcairn autogyro, but deter-mined that it was not yet practicalfor military use. In 1939, Igor I.Sikorsky successfully demonstrat-ed his rotary-wing VS-300 andrecaptured the interest of the U.S.armed forces. Sikorsky developedearly designs for the Army, whichdeployed the helicopter for rescueand observation missions in thePacific during the later part ofWW II. The helicopter industrygrew rapidly and other manufac-turers emerged, such as Piaseckiand Bell.

The 18th Commandant of theMarine Corps, General AlexanderA. Vandegrift, realized the impactthat the helicopter might have onMarine warfighting doctrine andwas impressed by LieutenantGeneral Roy S. Geiger’s thinkingon how atomic weapons wouldalter future tactics. Lt. Gen.

Geiger witnessed early atomicweapon tests and was deeply con-cerned about the weapon’s capa-bility to destroy a Marine invasionforce. He successfully urged Gen.Vandegrift to pursue the heli-copter as a component of tradi-tional amphibious landing tactics.

A special board was convenedunder the leadership of MajorGeneral R. C. Shepherd to drawup the initial design specificationsfor a Marine Corps helicopter.The Marines envisioned an air-craft that could travel 200 to 300miles at a speed of 100 knots car-rying 5,000 pounds of payload ataltitudes between 4,000 and15,000 feet. In December 1946, theShepherd board recommendedformal research of the helicopterand the establishment of a Marinehelicopter squadron for trainingand indoctrination. The comman-dant endorsed the board’s recom-mendations and forwarded themto the Chief of Naval Operations.Postwar budgetary constraintslimited the initial efforts; however,approval was given to create a

Marine helicopter developmentsquadron.

The establishment of HMX-1at Marine Corps Air Station(MCAS), Quantico, Va., on 1December 1947 started a revolu-tion in Marine Corps aviationand tactical doctrine. On 3December 1947, the Commandantof the Marine Corps tasked

A familiar sight:an HMX-1 VH-3DSea King landingon the south lawnof the WhiteHouse.

Naval Aviation News May–June 1997 13

HMX-1 to “develop techniquesand tactics in connection with themovement of assault troops byhelicopter in amphibious opera-tions; evaluate a small helicopteras a replacement for the presentOY type aircraft to be used forgunfire spotting, observation andliaison missions in conjunctionwith amphibious operations.” The

Nighthawksbegan with 7 officersand 3 enlisted men, and quicklygrew to 18 pilots and 81 enlistedmen. In the spring of 1948,HMX-1 received its first heli-copters, five Sikorsky HO3S-1s,and commenced pilot trainingand qualifications.

HMX-1 wasted no time in exe-cuting its mission by engaging in

an annual exercise in the springof 1948. The squadron’s role inthis operation was to participatein the amphibious assault by car-rying troops over water to speci-fied shore points, simulating aregimental combat team beingairlifted by a Marine helicopterair group. The HO3S-1 carriedonly three troops in addition

to the pilot, but the operation wouldeventually shape the developing doc-trine of vertical assault.

On 18 May 1948, HMX-1 pilotsflew their five HO3S-1s fromQuantico to Norfolk, Va., andembarked aboard Palau (CVE 122).The squadron’s commandingofficer, Colonel Edward C.Dyer, described the ini-tial fly-on as “a com-plete shambles. Therewere sailors runningall over the place inmortal danger ofwalking into tailrotors, and theMarines were total-ly disorganized aswell. It was completebedlam, there was noorganization and noreal system devel-oped.”

Col. Dyer andPalau’scommandingofficer, Captain Bob

Dixon, met that evening to remedy aclearly dangerous situation, anddecided to adopt the proceduresbeing used for fixed-wing aircraft.The next day these procedures wereput in place, resulting in safe andfunctional operations. According to

Col. Dyer, the only remain-ing task was to “devise a

systematic method ofembarking thetroops.” Specificroutes were devel-oped to moveMarines from theirberthing compart-

ments on the ship tothe aircraft, mini-

mizing the dan-gers of the flight

deck. This basic system is stillemployed today, using painted foullines on the ship’s deck to guide thescrambling Marines.

On 23 May 1948, the first air-borne ship-to-shore movementbegan at Onslow Beach, CampLejeune, N.C. The first wave of theassault commenced with all fiveHO3S-1s taking off from Palau andarriving 30 minutes later in the land-ing zone. HMX-1 pilots made con-tinuous flights, putting 66 Marinesin the right place at the right time.

The squadron proceeded todevelop and demonstrate a numberof other helicopter capabilities,including laying communications

14 Naval Aviation News May–June 1997

Clockwise from left: from the beginning,HMX-1 tested some unique helicopterdesigns, such as the Gyrodyne YRON-1rotorcycle; the Piasecki HRP “FlyingBanana” helped demonstrate the useful-ness of helicopters in tactical situations; asquadron H-34 Seahorse conducts testingin the 1960s; and HMX-1 performed thefirst troop lift in a turbine-powered heli-copter, then designated HSS-2, in 1961.

Cpl

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mas

Bla

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r.

wire and spotting artillery fire. Pilottraining and the investigation of thehelicopter’s warfighting capabilitiescontinued. Included was the testingof an airborne public address systemfor air-to-ground communications,rules for formation flight and eva-sive tactics to be used againstenemy aircraft.

A year later, in May 1949,HMX-1 participated in another exercise, deploying eight PiaseckiHRPs, three Sikorsky HO3Ss and a single Bell HTL. The squadronand aircraft performed beyondexpectations. Flying over choppyseas that swamped several landingcraft, the HRPs—known as “Flying Bananas”—quickly put 230troops and 14,000 pounds of cargoin the designated landing zone.These troops went on to seize a tactically significant road junctionfive miles inland. The HTL wasembarked on a tank landing ship and the three HO3Ss were shorebased to provide search and rescuecapabilities. The successful perfor-mance of the rotary-wing aircraftand crews was a key factor in theintegration of the helicopter into theMarine Corps.

In 1950, the expansion of theAmerican role in Korea acceleratedthe introduction of helicoptersquadrons into the Fleet MarineForce, and resulted in more mis-sions for HMX-1. Pilot training andadditional experimental work withhelicopters included mounting lit-ters on the skids of the aircraft toassist in the evacuation of wounded,as well as attaching rocket launchersto the skids. These efforts paved theway for the UH-1E Iroquoisor“Huey” gunship later used in theVietnam War.

In the squadron’s early years,other experiments included drop-ping bombs from helicopters andadvancing capabilities in search andrescue, command and control, anti-submarine warfare, aircraft camou-flage, instrument flying techniquesand heavy-lift operations, as well asworking with manufacturers onmodifications and developments inhelicopter design.

Operational Test andEvaluation

With the helicopter firmlyentrenched in Marine warfightingdoctrine, HMX-1’s mission evolvedinto developmental testing of newhelicopter systems and productsdestined for the Fleet Marine Force.Today, HMX-1’s Operational Testand Evaluation (OT&E)Department evaluates new technol-ogy for the CH-46E Sea Knight,CH-53E Super Stallionand theUH-1N “Huey.” OT&E is also

working with the Chief of NavalOperations and the Air Force todetermine the effectiveness of theMV-22 Ospreyand to prepare theCH-46 community for eventualtransition to this tilt-rotor aircraft.

HMX-1’s OT&E Departmentevaluates new systems designed bothby manufacturers and Marines in thefleet. For example, one squadrondeveloped a lip-activated light that iscompatible with night vision gog-gles, which allows pilots to readmaps and publications without tak-ing their hands off the controls.OT&E determined that this would beuseful to the fleet, and it is now usedthroughout the Marine Corps.

OT&E also recommends optionsfor introducing valuable technologyto the fleet despite budgetary con-

straints. For example, the squadron’stests of the Forward LookingInfrared (FLIR) system on theCH-53 determined that it could be ofgreat use to the fleet. However, a fullrollout of the FLIR system was cost-prohibitive. Rather than cancelingthe entire program, it was recom-mended that the Marine Corpsinstall all the hardware and wiringrequired to support the FLIR systemin every CH-53 in the fleet and usethe remaining funds to purchase alimited amount of FLIR packages.The existing units can be deployed

wherever necessary to accomplish agiven mission, and new ones can beinstalled whenever additional fund-ing comes available.

The PresidentialMission

In 1957, HMX-1 unexpectedlyacquired another important mis-sion: transporting the president ofthe United States. Previously, thesquadron had conducted only oper-ational tests and evaluations ofhelicopters from various manufac-turers to determine their utility asa means of emergency evacuationfor the president.

On 7 September 1957, PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower was vaca-

Naval Aviation News May–June 1997 15

HMX-1 tested the capabilities of the CH-46 in the late 1960s. The Sea Knight isnow a central part of the squadron’s stable.

The VIPs . . .

and urban assault tactics.HMX-1 personnel also assist

the Marine Air Wing TrainingSquadron (MAWTS) One classesin Yuma, Ariz. The squadron fre-quently sends members from theOT&E Department to briefMAWTS-1 classes on currentstate-of-the-art projects andemerging technologies that fleetaviation units might see in thenear future. If the assets are avail-able, the squadron provides one ortwo of its CH-53Es or CH-46Es,with the actual equipment beingevaluated mounted on the air-frame, for the students to see andsometimes fly to gain hands-onexperience.

OrganizationWith over 700 personnel

assigned, HMX-1 is the largest heli-copter squadron in the MarineCorps. Accordingly, it incorporatessome departments not usually foundin a squadron. The medical depart-ment has two flight surgeons and

five corpsmen who may deploy onpresidential trips and provide med-ical support to the squadron and airfacility at Quantico. As the only avi-ation unit assigned to MCAFQuantico, HMX-1 has a dedicatedfiscal and aviation supply depart-ment, and its safety and standardiza-tion department is similar to thatfound in a composite helicoptersquadron with several different typesof aircraft. The operations depart-

ment juggles the squadron’s busyflight schedule at both Quantico andthe support facility at Naval Station,Anacostia, D.C.

In addition, HMX-1 has severaldepartments that are unique to itsexecutive transport function. Thecommunications department’s 17communication systems operatorsare responsible for providing aninstantaneous worldwide communi-cations capability for the president

18 Naval Aviation News May–June 1997

HMX-1 provides helicopter transporta-tion for the executive branch and vis-iting dignitaries. Clockwise from left,President Eisenhower, Pope JohnPaul II, President Clinton andPresident and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

The Executive FlightDetachment, known as the “WhiteSide” of HMX-1, employs twounique aircraft types: the SikorskyVH-3D Sea King and VH-60NBlackhawk. The V designates theaircraft as configured for use byVIPs. Because of their distinctivecolor schemes, these helos are oftenreferred to as “White Tops.”

The VH-3D is capable of trans-porting 14 people, and is the prima-ry helicopter used for transportingthe president, vice president and vis-iting heads of state. The Sikorsky

VH-60N seats up to 11 passengersand is used for various White Housemissions. Both helos require a pilot,copilot and crew chief, and the VH-60N crew also includes a communi-cations systems operator. TheVH-60N is smaller than the VH-3Dand, because it folds easily for load-ing onto an Air Force C-5A Galaxytransport, it is ideal for overseasassignments on short notice. TheHMX-1 Marines can prepare aVH-60N for loading on a C-5 in lessthan two hours.

The VH-3D has been in use for

over 20 years, and the VH-60N forover 10. An extensive SpecialProgressive Aircraft Rework at pre-determined intervals, plus a reviewof the communication and naviga-tion systems every three or fouryears, keep these aircraft in superiorcondition. (See “The Pride of theMarines: Marine One Crew Chiefs,”p. 20, about the “Green Side” ofHMX-1.)

Support MissionIn addition to its executive trans-

port and OT&E missions, HMX-1also supports the Marine CorpsCombat Development Command(MCCDC) at Marine Corps AirFacility (MCAF), Quantico in thedevelopment of helicopter tacticsand techniques. HMX-1’s CH-46Esand CH-53Es provide helicopterindoctrination training for new com-bat ground Marines and supportadvanced training, such as fast-rop-ing exercises. MCCDC maintains atraining facility called “CombatTown,” where HMX-1 Marines par-ticipate in the training of assaulttroops in hostage rescue scenarios

Naval Aviation News May–June 1997 17

The Helos . . .Left, a VH-3D leads a parade of HMX-1 aircraft: the VH-60N, CH-46 and CH-53E. The VH-3D, below, is used fortransporting the president, vice president and visitingheads of state; and the VH-60N, bottom, is used forother executive tranport functions. Opposite, thesquadron’s CH-46s have all undergone the service,reliability and maintenance upgrade.

tioning at his summer home inNewport, R.I., when his immediatepresence was required at the WhiteHouse. Typically, a return trip toWashington, D.C., from RhodeIsland required an hour-long ferryride across Narragansett Bay to theawaiting presidential transport,AirForce One, followed by a 45-minuteflight to Andrews AFB, Md., and a20-minute motorcade ride to theWhite House.

Recognizing the urgent need forhis presence in Washington,President Eisenhower directed hisaide to find a way to get him to AirForce Onemore quickly. The aideinformed the president that a heli-copter was on station in RhodeIsland in case of an emergency and

could be used to fly him to theawaiting plane. PresidentEisenhower approved the idea, set-ting a precedent with the seven-minute trip in an HMX-1 UH-34Seahorse.

Shortly thereafter, the president’snaval aide asked HMX-1 to evaluatethe possibility of landing a heli-copter on the south lawn of theWhite House. Preliminary evalua-tions and test flights determined thatthere was ample room for a safelanding and departure. Once formalprocedures were finalized, HMX-1began flying the president to andfrom the south lawn of the WhiteHouse to Andrews AFB, the home ofAir Force One.

In 1976, the Marine Corps wasassigned the sole responsibility andmission of providing helicoptertransportation to the president of theUnited States and other executives.This function was previously sharedwith the Army.

16 Naval Aviation News May–June 1997

while aboard the VH-60N. SeveralHMX-1 officers assigned to theWhite House Liaison Office plan thesquadron’s logistics for presidentialtrips and brief the detachment priorto each mission. The plans depart-ment at Quantico manages the clas-sified planning portion of all presi-dential support missions. HMX-1’ssecurity department provides securi-ty at the squadron’s facilities atQuantico and Anacostia, and atevery HMX-1 trip site where thepresidential helicopters are used.

Unlike any other unit in theMarine Corps, HMX-1 has threedistinct chains of command. TheMarine Corps Deputy Chief ofStaff for Aviation issues orders forall tasks that HMX-1 executes inconjunction with Marine Corpsactivities, while the White HouseMilitary Office directs thesquadron’s presidential missions.The squadron’s OT&E Depart-ment reports to Commander,Operational Test and EvaluationForce, Norfolk, Va.

With its unique mission andstructure, HMX-1 is like no othersquadron in the Marine Corps.And as they celebrate their 50thanniversary, the Nighthawkscon-tinue to exemplify their motto:“The First and Finest.”

This article was based on a chapter ofWarfighters II, about Marine Corps aviation, tobe published this fall by Schiffer PublishingLtd., Atglen, Pa.

Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Llinares have collaboratedfor 15 years on books and articles about mili-tary aviation. The authors wish to thankHMX-1 CO Col. Frederick J. Geier, XOLieutenant Colonel Michael J. Conklin,Maintenance Chief Master Gunnery SergeantThomas L. Downey and all the Marines andSailors behind the scenes who assisted theirresearch.

Naval Aviation NewsAssociate Editor WendyKarppi also contributed to this article. NANewsextends special thanks to Major Ben Mathews,HMX-1 public affairs officer, and StaffSergeant Robert Catha for their timely and sus-tained support in the preparation of this article.

For additional information about HMX-1, e-mail mathewsh@quantico.usmc.mil.

Naval Aviation News May–June 1997 19

. . . and the Marinesof HMX-1The Marines of HMX-1 make it all hap-pen. Clockwise from left, shortly beforehis retirement, MGsgt. Tom Downeypasses some words of wisdom toMGsgt. Joseph Jeffra in the mainte-nance control office; Maj. TimothyHanson is ready to go in a CH-46 SeaKnight; and Marine One crew chief Sgt.John Delbalso makes sure “his” helois shipshape.