USMC CH-53E Super Stallion BuNo 162487 Visits Hato Airport, Curaçao — VMM-263 Thunder Chickens
USMC CH-53E BuNo 162487 on final for runway 11. The aircraft taxied to the USAF facility after touching down.
April 9th brought an unexpected and very welcome visitor to Curaçao: A United States Marine Corps Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion. The aircraft became visible on Flightradar24 about 15 minutes before arriving, making it one of those “race to the airport” moments that keeps spotting interesting.
VMM-263(Reinforced) CH-53E BuNo 162487. I was noticed by the two rear-crew members.
The helicopter was BuNo 162487 (c/n 65-499), operating with VMM-263 (Reinforced), the "Thunder Chickens", out of MCAS New River, North Carolina. The Reinforced designation means the squadron's MV-22B Ospreys are supplemented with additional types including the CH-53E for heavy lift capability, typically in support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. This airframe has previously been noted at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, involved in Operation Southern Spear.
The CH-53E is the Marine Corps' primary heavy lift helicopter — three engines, a crew of four, and capable of carrying 16 tons of cargo over 50 miles. An impressive machine to have seen here, even if only briefly.
This was only my second catch of a USMC aircraft in Curaçao, having previously capture a KC-130J in 2021.
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