November 3, 2005: The U.S. Navy is retrofitting eight MH-53E helicopters for use as Army troop transports and/or medical evacuation in Iraq. In addition, the Navy is assigning helicopter squadrons flying their version of the Army's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for Army duty in medical evac. Currently, the MH-53E helos based in Italy are assigned to mine sweeping duties, and delivering supplies and personnel to U.S. Sixth Fleet ships at sea. A joint Pentagon panel decided to reassign the helicopters after evaluating the force needs for Iraq.
The MH-53E Sea Dragon is the largest helicopter in the Navy and has a greater lift capability than the Army's CH-47 Chinook. The Sea Dragon can lift up 32,000 pounds to the Chinook 26,000 pounds, or 55 troops as compared to the Chinook's 33 troops. Currently, the Sea Dragons are armed with two .50 caliber machine guns, but those destined for duty in Iraq will receive a GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun on the rear cargo ramp.
Iraq-bound SeaDragons will also receive a variety of other enhancements, including ALE-47/AAR-47 missile-warning and countermeasures equipment, ballistic armor in the cabin and cockpit floorboards, a more subdued gray paintjob to reduce visibility and cockpit modifications for use with night-vision goggles. Other planned upgrades, including improved radios and GPS, have also been accelerated. The Navy would like to modify the entire fleet of 34 MH-53Es to the same specs, but they don't have enough money.
Navy flight personnel are being trained by Marine Corps Reservists in the use of night vision goggles while squadron personnel will get training in driving Humvees and firing M-16s. Many members of the Italy squadron have extended their tours so they can participate in the Iraqi deployment. Once finished, they and their aircraft will be sent back to Norfolk. ? Doug Mohney
