Go Tell a Marine You're Proud of Them Today

On April 24th, 2024, a CH-53L Sea King carried a Navy F-35C from Patuxent River Naval Air station in Maryland to Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst. Mid-air refueling was part of the evolution.
If anyone knows the Marines who performed this evolution, please get them in touch with me.
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On April 24th, 2024, a CH-53L Sea King carried a Navy F-35C from Patuxent River Naval Air station in Maryland to Joint Base Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst. Mid-air refueling was part of the evolution. If anyone knows the Marines who performed this evolution, please get them in touch with me. For uncensored video, check out my substack at: ryanmcbeth.substack.com Like my shirts? Get your own at: www.bunkerbranding.com/pages/ryan-mcbeth Want a personalized greeting: www.cameo.com/ryanmcbeth Watch all of my long form videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLt670_P7pOGmLWZG78JlM-rG2ZrpPziOy Twitter: @ryanmcbeth Instagram: @therealryanmcbeth BlueSky @ryanmcbeth Reddit: /r/ryanmcbeth Join the conversation: discord.gg/pKuGDHZHrz Want to send me something? Ryan McBeth Productions LLC 8705 Colesville Rd. Suite 249 Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA

[@hattielankford4775]

You should show more stuff like this. Ooh! Do you have anything featuring the Corp of Engineers?

[@chrisbailey5055]

CH-53K, not L....typo in the text...

[@PlasmaSamurai]

"Super Stallion" with the K variant called "King Stallion." The SH-3 Sea King is a different helicopter altogether

[@ScoobySNAX.308]

It was a good video

[@paperburn]

your right about the gas thing.

[@npc_code]

So this is how Airplanes learn flying. Interesting.

[@andyreznick]

Good one!

[@thomasfx3190]

Hah! Well said!

[@robomonkey1018]

Helos are born knowing those fixed wings need to be taught. ❤

[@Daniel-dz5jb]

Yup. And how Navy a/c learn how to swim.

[@osbjmg]

😂

[@erikkovacs3097]

Sounds like something a kid with ADHD would draw. "What are you drawing Johnny?" "I'm drawing a Helicopter carrying a plane being refueled by another plane... piloted by dinosaurs"

[@cdrom1070]

if they have glasses on it means they are in fact dinosaurs

[@UNSCLEADER]

"Somebody get this kid a Government contract"

[@TankandDimples]

How much tax payer money do you think this takes? Wouldn't a cargo ship be more efficient?

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

Probably less than a truck or ship because they would have to do some additional disassembly to the F35.

[@sdavidb5620]

As a kid that was one of those troublesome ones with adhd. We definitely would draw sh-t like this. Then get the regular azz chewing about being unrealistic. This video is incredible!

[@albert2554]

Served from 1975-79. Like they used to tell us. “The difficult we do immediately, the Impossible takes a little longer”.

[@Duke_Romilar_III]

"...and miracles by appointment only."

[@Leftyotism]

Thank you for your service! 🫡

[@user-ie1tz5rm8x]

Yes ,bravo! Press on ! Comrade....see. Chopter for lift , dead lift capacity ,plus a multi engine jet for speed - so one might get home before anyone takes silly pictures or sumsuch-...like the high scoool weightroom , lift and jerk , I thought...well .. strategic absqulation of our foes ' high tech's ...

[@Chiller11]

The ridiculous we do just for fun.

[@duanepierson4375]

Back then it was an A-4 under a CH-53D.

[@geneswan4949]

To start with I'm ex-USAF and I have mad respect for the Marines. A F-35C weighs 34,830 lbs which means that they took off without enough fuel to reach their destination safely and inflight refueling was necessary. Second, they perform this evolution frequently with external loads. Just the same, bravo zulu Marines!

[@tylerouimette2934]

100%. However. This particular plane has no engine and most of the avionics are gone. This airframe is literally C version number 1

[@user-ie1tz5rm8x]

Escape from Diego Garcia ! ..the movie wrights itself

[@77space-vt8wi]

Everyone knows that there is no such thing as an ex-Marine and you really never get out of the Air Force either. . From first hand experience all these years later I can unequivocally make that assertion. .

[@josephminore6582]

You nailed the explanation.

[@MrSkyl1ne]

Nah, the F35 wasn't that heavy. They couldn't lift off with enough fuel due to the weight their gigantic balls of steel.

[@revolutionaryhamburger]

So. Marines show up at the airport and ask to borrow a jet fighter. They are told in no uncertain terms they can't have one unless they have DD form 6784/A-b properly filled out and authorized by the base commander and signed by somebody important. Rejected, the Marines shuffle off silently only to come back later with a helicopter.

[@paperburn]

They should have brought a DD-1149 instead

[@larryclemens1850]

Sounds reasonable.

[@Whitpusmc]

Use a DD 6784/J and cross out “popcorn machine” and write in “F-35C” did it all the time in Korea.

[@alowry2002]

@@Whitpusmcyours and the other comments made me laugh. I love the MASH tv show reference.

[@Whitpusmc]

@@alowry2002 Excellent!! I was wondering if/who would get that!

[@jacobtrapp3772]

The way the stallion had to slightly nudge off to the side so the hooks didn't damage the F-35 was so graceful! Amazing Maries and aviators

[@frig1]

I noticed that as well

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I imagined the pilot shouting at the control tower, "What? No tip?"

[@HeavensProtocol]

The second unused Drogue is to balance yaw. Only one Drogue being deployed would drag the C-130 into unwanted Yaw.

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

Thanks for the information. 👍

[@Duke_Romilar_III]

Yes, it's necessary because those 130s have 2 off-center drogues (to refuel 2 aircraft simultaneously when required). Other tanker aircraft have one drogue on the center line and the stability issue is absent.

[@Repented008]

How about a little rudder trim?

[@Idahoguy10157]

I was wondering why there were two extend. Thank you

[@_TheRock]

Ah, makes sense, thank you for commenting👍

[@scottofford3061]

My mother served in WW2 at camp Lejuene as a tech sergeant, a DI for the women who volunteered to do administration work while the men fought. She stayed on after 1945 to help warriors who returned with “shell shock” or PTSD. I am very proud of her service. SEMPER FI

[@johns6147]

My thanks and gratitude to your mother. SEMPER FIDELIS !

[@stejer211]

What does this have to do with the video?

[@a36538]

@@stejer211reading comprehension is hard

[@user-assoul_]

So your mother is not flying this helicopter is what you’re saying…

[@Leftyotism]

SEMPER FI

[@beesod6412]

Those pilots are legit badasses.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Heck, anyone in either of the two occupied aircraft have nerves of steel and Teflon underwear.

[@MRptwrench]

This ol' warhead would agree loudly and add that you should witness any Warrant Officer of the Rotary Wing disembark their helo. Make the fighter jocks from Top Gun look like nerds. They walk 10 feet tall. They rank right up there with the Drill Instructor demigods.

[@arvideriksson]

the refueling is like a hummingbird approaching a flower

[@colinmcdonald2499]

Except hummingbirds weigh mere grams and had millions of years to evolve. That makes what the crew did that much more impressive. Not that I am saying I am not impressed by hummingbirds!

[@restitvtororbis5330]

It's like a hummingbird approaching a flower that is traveling the speed of a c130 away from it whilst carrying another hummingbird below it

[@ryanjohnson19851]

People are in awe that a helicopter can carry the weight of that F-35C, but that plane doesn't even weigh as much as the crew members balls.

[@jeffhess4650]

Once you can land a jet, on a pitching deck in the dark, anything else is a cake walk. This is the reason that I point to Naval/Marine aviators as the finest in the world, full stop.

[@TiocfaidhArLa34]

I consider Israeli pilots to be the best in the world. they do crazy shit like flying 100ft off the ground in F16s.

[@whatsinanameish]

The only thing missing is Slim Pickens riding the plane while waving his hat and yodeling .

[@whiskeythree1622]

Whatn' tha WYYL WYYL Whirl a' Sports is goin' on here?? Dude was an American original

[@seantiz]

The turduckin of refueling.

[@forthehonorforge4840]

I said much the same.

[@TyMoore95503]

Ummm....is it me or is the F35 pilot just getting a ride for free? It didn't look like F35 was helping at all. 😉

[@RyanMcBethProgramming]

Funny

[@perfumedmanatee6235]

The Marines didn't bother to refuel the F35, do what do you expect?

[@michaelvos9721]

The F35 is pulling the helo. The helo is autorotating

[@jonathanj8303]

​@@michaelvos9721well spotted, what looks like rope is in fact rigid bars. Old stage magic trick, lets the F35 do all the work.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

Didn't even bother to raise the gear. Typical "lazy navy" LOL

[@johnb5482]

This video is proof-positive that Marines do a job that not many people can do and that is what makes them extraordinary.

[@raymonddimuzio5115]

Ryan, part of the training evolution for a MEU is what's known as a TRAP mission (Tactical Rescue of Aircraft and Personnel). - think Scott O'Grady - but we only rescued the pilot. I am assuming this is just a training evolution for how do we prep, sling and transport an F35 as a part of the regular mission. Being a Marine, I do not see anything unusual about this even the refueling. Learn everything you can now so we do not have to learn it in combat. Keep up the good work!

[@Miner-dyne]

Yep, one man's ceiling is another man's floor.

[@paperburn]

The NAS Patuxent River F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) test team, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Cargo Lab, and others ensured a successful lift and flight by conducting load certification testing, sling configuration analysis, and cargo characteristics documentation were completed as required. Data from the tests will inform the flight envelope for future events.

[@BruceWSims]

OK.... I don't know shit about Marine Evolutions so help me out. Is what we are watching in the video a.) a standard training exercise? b.) to be followed by training to conduct this sort of recovery at sea....say with an aircraft carrier? Inquiring minds want to know....😊

[@raymonddimuzio5115]

@@BruceWSims My response was my reaction to the video and knowing what Marine Expeditionary Units do while at sea. Was this a part of it or as @paperburn said. No Idea, but to Ryans information was just sharing my thoughts

[@josephford6010]

On the 22nd MEU in 2022 my PLT was the TRAP PLT for the MEU It was a fun doing training missions looking for a “drone” made out of a few MRE boxes😂😂😂

[@simonjester0074]

Former Marine helicopter - CH-53D - great job Marines - thanx Ryan

[@warhorse03826]

what squadron? we had MAG-49 next to us at willow grove,PA. (ch-53's and A-4 skyhawks) we used to joke with the marine ground crew that your CH-53's could damn near swallow our SH-2's. nice guys. we were always short handed being a reserve squadron and they were always happy to help us get a helicopter into the hangar. there was a big fire down in philly one day and the marine CO came through the front gate while I was on duty there "we're gonna fly down there and pick people off of that roof. all I have to do is get pentagon clearance. DO. NOT. DETAIN. ANY. OF MY. MARINES. AT. THIS. GATE. they have important work to do. we clear?" "very clear sir. go do some good" they never got pentagon clearance. it would have been epic.

[@simonjester0074]

@@warhorse03826 HMH-463 , in MAG -24 , Hawaii ~ thanx for your reply 😁😁😁✊

[@warhorse03826]

@@simonjester0074 oooooh now THAT'S a good duty station LOL we had ice storms and cheesesteaks and you had well..HAWAII. must have been fun LOL

[@DodgeI]

bro, i don't live in the USA and i am i British. i am generally proud of the USA and i couldn't ask for a better country to have the world in their hands. you guys rock, please whatever you do don't turn your back on the world or Nato, we need you and respect you!!!

[@gfys756]

Sorry, but the USA doesn't really exist anymore. The empire is crumbling and will most likely be gone by the end of the decade.

[@frig1]

I'm a US Marine who has trained with Royal Marines. they are like our older brothers. (literally) . The special relationship between our nations means we will always be standing shoulder to shoulder brother.

[@Nighthawkofficial]

Funny because they're the reason your power bill went through the roof in the last two years. This is so cringe.

[@gfys756]

@@Nighthawkofficial lol is that what drumpf told you?

[@frig1]

@@Nighthawkofficial WTF are you even talking about.

[@Ducaso]

The Stork delivering a newborn to its awaiting family.

[@Lascivus]

Tail marking is MV which is VMX-1. You could probably shoot them an email to get their attention. Regarding refueling, when lifting a heavy load we often have to trade fuel on board for lift capability. It is a careful balance based on many factors. I was involved in a CH-53E lift of an F15 back in the 90s at Eglin AFB in Florida. I was part of the maintenance crew, not the aircrew. Background: 20 year Marine, CH-53A,D and E Avionics

[@bobmcnelis3648]

Semper Fi Brother!

[@Iamthelolrus]

Marines are just built different.

[@mikebooher7906]

Ryan, mid air refueling was likely required because in the video is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Looks like the took off from the NAS and flew south down the Chesapeake and out into the ocean to keep from overflying populated areas adding quite a few miles to the trip.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

Yeah I noticed that too and made a similar comment. Looks like they flew all the way up past Atlantic City before turning westbound, flying over Warren Grove and the rest of the pine barrens rather than populated areas.

[@rw8147]

Glad I'm not the only one who thought that was the CBBT

[@adamzuraitis3267]

There’s a reason they say Naval Aviation is the best in the world. WINGS OF GOLD BOYS

[@fusiliers]

My dad was career USAF who did 21+ years with the Security Service/ESC, retiring as a CMSGT. He then went straight into NSA working with Navy intel and was managing a program staffed overwhelmingly by Marines. He told me he had never worked with a better, more impressive team of intelligence professionals in his life, including his experiences with CIA, NRO, and various foreign agencies. He also noted that, despite being SIGINT/COMSEC people, everyone in his program were qualified Experts on both rifle and pistol. "Every man a Rifleman" is not just a catchphrase!

[@bobrivett7645]

No it's not.

[@mark97199]

I saw someone say this is VMX-1. If that's true, this is most likely a test, as in let's pick up a F-35C, and refuel midflight JUST TO PROVE WE CAN. That badass

[@kevin.keen.socialmedia]

As explained to me once, the Marine Corps has its own air force and Navy.

[@jarhead6153]

Twenty Years in the Marines as a CH-53E mechanic….retired, now I work I have worked for Lockheed (20 yrs) as a mechanic on C-130 gunships and other AFSOC aircraft; best of both worlds.

[@FirstDagger]

Isn't it ironic that the King Stallion technically is now a Lockmart bird?

[@bobrivett7645]

​@FirstDagger I Good friend of mine from we were in the marines together, he worked Lockheed for 19 years, did a look of work with the presidential helicopter squadron in Quantico. Lockheed laid him off though. We talk all the time about his work with Lockheed.

[@johns6147]

Impressive to watch the skill of those pilots. Respect.

[@JWood-xo8sr]

I served in HMH-465 (MCAS Miramar). Not sure who these Devil Dogs are but an officer I served with (Lt.Col Issac G. Lee Ret.) at HMH-465 just released “Hanger 4” A Combat Aviator’s Memoir about his experiences flying CH-53s in Iraq and Afghanistan. Highly recommended! Love your content Ryan!

[@Wyomingchief]

Strange, I Googled both the title you stated and the author? And yet nothing comes up

[@BloodyIron]

The c130 being able to fly that slowly is wild! Also kudos to all the crews. Serious demonstration of skill and focus!

[@bryceplatt4222]

Awww... the Navy, Marines and Air Force all playing nice together. How sweet.

[@raymondrayburn9186]

I am a former KC-130J Crew Chief and I have done so many air-air refueling missions it's crazy, I'm not sure of the Crew on this herk but that's some good flying for sure, I'm sure it's less scary than refueling the v22

[@leonguyen896]

This is just another Tuesday for them. Those are some insane skills

[@michaelotoole1807]

hello ryan, i know the engineer that works on that helicopter. he emailed me pics of him and the pilot standing in front of the delivered F-35. I sent him a link of your video with the airlift of the fighter. i hope he responds to you for that free t-shirt.

[@carlhendricks349]

Love it! I looks so small under the CH-53L. The blades are just pulling that load. I watched many times the Marines hauling things under the CH-53 when I was a child. My day did 30 years in the Marines. I loved it!

[@discosanandreas]

I saw this yesterday! Holy Moley! I thought this was the most amazing, high-level military operation. The skill to do this!!!

[@silverbird425]

the Chinese and Russians were dejected . . . .

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

You saw that? I'm envious! I'm close enough that I could have seen it I just didn't know to look over there at the time 💔

[@redtailpunk]

in a world of hypersonics and high speed operators, this is the perfect example of modern military proficiency. logistics enables us to fight anyone anywhere anywhen. Damn we're cool

[@ssechres]

My Nephew is a veteran of the Marines, who joined the Air Force to get more time to spend with his wife. I’ve thanked him for his service and wished him Happy Birthday on Nov10/11. I think he knows that I’m proud of him.

[@BJ-hs2sl]

That must be one of their best pilots. That must be one of the most expensive cargoes in history !!

[@bobmcnelis3648]

ALL USMc Pilots assigned to an MEU, are capable of this mission!

[@everettputerbaugh3996]

This is not the first F-35 moved by the Corps. They recovered a crashed one in from the mountains (in CA I think it was) with a CH-53K shortly after they were first deployed.

[@godgunzndrumz]

It's a non-flying F35 demonstrator.

[@BrianGriffith-tq8eg]

Ryan, I flew CH-53E's and one of our SOP's when conducting external lift's was to limit flight over populated areas in case of an EP requiring us to release the load. So as you may notice they spent much of the flight out over water, increasing their total flight range, also increasing their requirement for fuel. Our typical AR tracks are also over water and there are many reasons for that. I will tell you it could be a cold February day and I would still be sweating through my flight suit when conducting AR, especially at night on goggles.

[@Jacob-he1lg]

I noticed that they were flying over water…I did not think this was a coincidence.

[@wyattterrell]

Crayons on the house tonight 🦅 🌎 ⚓️🖍️

[@hattielankford4775]

One of the first comments is about crayons. 😂

[@thomasalison6188]

That's funny,.....

[@josephpadula2283]

@@hattielankford4775 What color ?

[@hattielankford4775]

@@josephpadula2283 😲 I only see a red crayon emoji available. 😔

[@Sasinc-pw8ni]

Most on point comment 🖍

[@SleepySkull1]

I swear, the marines can do some crazy crash-head stuff when they eat enough crayons. Damn impressive, proud to have America as allies.

[@fnln3181]

Incredible. Heavy lift of the fighter; and the aerial refueling too. Respect for the Marines. Retired Army.

[@jgrenwod]

I worked on and crewed Marine KC-130s for 15 years. I can tell you some hair raising stories. I sure miss that stuff.

[@MagdogUnderbite]

This pup will make its mission to pet every marine today.

[@brewted]

Ohh-Rah!!

[@lyshakalexander]

It is crazy! The sheer badassetude of the pilot who did it is unfathomable! Mad respect!

[@yourfriend4104]

The crazy amount of execution. It's ridiculously insane how they pulled this off

[@mathew00]

Sargent, bring me the pilot who can't tell the difference between their body, mind, and their helicopter. And if they randomly wake up in the cockpit in the morning, that's a bonus.

[@Sasinc-pw8ni]

You and the Marines are awesome. Thanks mate

[@ARGONUAT]

When certain people are in high school, they get a special type of evaluation where certain ones are given the title of “wonderfully insane“. Most of those special people end up becoming either Marines or firefighters. Being just “wonderful“ is one thing, being “insane“ is another“, but you have to be “wonderfully insane“ together to qualify to be these very special people. Show them both honor whenever you see them.

[@MattnUska]

6:31 this was the scariest stuff I saw while flying on a HC130. Over a combat zone completely blacked out, refueling helos. I was a mechanic so I didn’t have NVGs. All I could see was the faint glow in the helos cockpit.

[@cenccenc946]

My father was a Marine in WWII and Korea. After the marines he did crazy stuff like working as a motorcycle stunt rider in a circus, flying bi-planes, etc. He once told me that it took him years after the Marines to realize they had programed to not fear death or injury beyond all resonable healthy limits a person should have to stay alive. He had to actually learn how to be afraid again; and, he never did quite get the hang of it. We often say the Marines are being "brave" (and often they are); but there is a not so fine line between being brave and programming / training. Granted, calling a Marine "brave" sounds better; but, they spent generations to perfect teaching people how to do that, in large numbers. It is probably what sets the Marines apart from the other services.

[@Crustymarine]

Respect for your Dad. Google search, the Eulogy for a fighter pilot. The real life Great Santini. An extemporaneous eulogy by his son, author Pat Conroy.

[@Marine450x]

It's not that we're extra ordinarily brave, it's that we're ARE extra ordinarily confident in our training, each other, our focus on the objective, and our commitment to succeed, while upholding the honor & tradition of the Marine Corps, and the ideals of our great nation. Marines fight for these things, and more, not against someone or something. ~Semper Fi

[@bobrivett7645]

​@@Marine450x Well said. Semper Fi. USMC 77 to 83.

[@stephicohu]

It looks like they did this over the water to ensure if they drop the F-35 no one on ground would be hurt or damage done to any facility.

[@silverbird425]

yes, they passed over the bridge and tunnel at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, flew off Wallops Island (NASA test facility) on the Virginia Cape, Atlantic City, and Cape May before crossing over the NJ pine barrens (per the guy sitting next to me).

[@Marine450x]

I worked on Marine Corps jets, but had a buddy who was a CH53 crew chief. He got me a flight during a training mission from LTA to Pendleton cira 1980. That was an experience of a lifetime. I don't have room her to describe what that aircraft was capable of, and did during that training mission, but I will say they are LARGE and very powerful. This video is a tiny glimpse of what they and Marine pilots are capable of. ~Semper Fi

[@Ericisnotachannel]

Tail code of MV means they're part of the experimental VMX-1 squadron that operates in Patuxent River (NAS), Yuma (MCAS), and New River (MCAS). Marine tail codes designate specific squadrons and not air groups, except when deployed on MEUs.

[@lightravenn]

This stuff makes me remember the old footage of first helos transporting trucks

[@bobmcnelis3648]

I am proud to say, that I worked on the CH53E model prototype testing to do exactly what this video shows! We flew over a test range area in Florida , for 2-3 hours a day, carrying concrete blocks that were well over 20,000 lbs ( as I was told). Incredible machine! The K model is even better! I’m also a Marine of the Vietnam Era. Thanks for this video!

[@bobmcnelis3648]

@@ac583 if you don’t like Ryan, why are you here? No one else in your middle school class will talk to you?

[@sqr2024]

You can tell how hard this blades are working. Great piloting skills here for sure.

[@stevemcclendon9297]

I'm always proud of the marines, they dont get the respect they deserve for the crazy they do. Actually a lot of credit goes to the navy or army in general. Thank-you for your service, marines.

[@firdatgame]

Mistook the assignment and told a marine he's insane.

[@richardlamm4826]

He pry appreciated that more than the thanks

[@MrToasterWaffles]

JB McGuire Dix Lakehurst mentioned! I’ve been there!

[@geradkavanagh8240]

Insane carry capacity on that helicopter. And able to keep up with the C130 refuelling aircraft (correct me if I'm wrong) while carrying that load. Awesome piece of kit and great pilot skills.

[@delphy2478]

it's incredible how steady the helicopter AND the refueling plane are during the refueling

[@jeffdittrich6778]

“Risk assessment?” Marine aviators don’t do risk assessments before, only after. Remember their slogan, “it seemed like a good idea at the time, but upon careful reflection maybe not, sir.

[@sonkefh]

Just a normal work day.

[@petesheppard1709]

This reminds me of photos from the '70s of then-new CH-53 Echos air refueling while hauling LAV-25s. THAT was ground-breaking in its time!

[@richardtaylor9027]

I have a MEU float book that has a picture of CH-53 hauling an F-18 with both engines from Clark AFB to Subic in the Philippines in the late 80's. This is just proving it can still be done with the current airframes. It's awesome.

[@artbuck7709]

Unbelievable, the level of skill, focus and concentration on display here.

[@marcondespaulo]

Your mention of the risk assessment destroyed the sterotypical movie marines in my mind: CO approaches garrisson: "Marines, today we will ferry this INOP FAT AMY by helo. Will Air refuel along the way. Questions?"Crew answers: Whoa!. Also, the picture of the CH53K refueling with the F35 on a sling might make a great tee. Os perhaps more cartoonishly, a Sea Stallion with Fat Amy under the arm, sharing a drink with greek demigod Hercules carrying a keg.

[@KerbalFacile]

CH53 is the real-life "Pelican" from Halo, and you can't change my mind.

[@j.w.31]

Excluding exoatmospheric operations, you’re not wrong

[@tokensupreme684]

As someone who knows nothing that deflection on the rotor looks insane.

[@willhenley8284]

Awesome video Ryan. Hats off to all involved in moving this aircraft and the midair refueling. Nice Tides jersey as well. Go Tides! Hope you enjoyed the game.

[@soldat7126]

Got to love Uncle Sam's Misguided Children!

[@prplno1]

Needed the extra fuel because including the BALLS they have can’t carry all of it WOW !!!! Incredible

[@hrdknox2000]

I passed your video on to two friends who are both former Marines, both are aviation obsessed with one of them having been a pilot (helicopter, I think) and the other was an F-18 mechanic. I hope they can help!

[@radjalomas8854]

Must be a bit of a humiliation for the F35 to be carried by a helicopter

[@davedixon2068]

better than having to walk

[@Typexviiib]

Its not really humiliating for a human to ride a horse. Seems to be a similiar concept

[@MeeesterBond17]

Hey, the F-15A didn't complain about being carried by a CH-47, so the F-35 probably doesn't want to be the one to start whining.

[@radjalomas8854]

You all seemed to have missed the point. Being that the F35 is VTOL unlike the horse or the F15😑

[@MeeesterBond17]

@@radjalomas8854 Don't see why - the same website shows USMC Sea Stallions lifting AV-8B Harriers and Bell UH-1s as well as the F-35B (which, as you rightly pointed out, is a VSTOL jet).

[@hattielankford4775]

Mid air refueling is crazy. Just doing it in 2-D would be impressive.

[@Cplblue]

*Stares into mirror* "I'm proud of you today.." *Applies mosturizer*

[@petersilva037]

The CH-53 is a Sea Stallion...with original engines from the S-54. The latest version is CH-53K King Stallion. It's max take-off weight is 88,000 lbs. None of these are "Sea Kings" ... The Sea King was the SH-3 ... max takeoff weight is 21,500 lbs.... The Stallions are a lot bigger.

[@maxsmodels]

"Let's see the Great Leslie top THAT ONE"....Dr. Fate in The Great Race.

[@zipp4everyone263]

Everyone watching this will think the sound from the videos are rotorblade sounds, its actually just marines talking to eachother going "RAH" at incredible speeds.

[@Aredel]

Does that make Marine aviation craft fly? Are the marines just Orks from Warhammer 40k?

[@zipp4everyone263]

@@Aredel 100% Dey be eatin craonZ n stuff! Ragh and magh lookin over Dr battlefield!

[@Aredel]

@@zipp4everyone263 I’m just picturing in an alternate timeline: the Orks are in trenches, hyping themselves up ready to shout a WAAAGH! But before they finish shouting, they hear a chorus of blood-curdling screams of “RAH” and “SEMPER FIDELIS” and “DO IT FOR CHESTY” from the opposing trench before they’re rolled over in a wave of hate and pissed-off marines.

[@user-ms3gg1kv8q]

It's like carrying your friend home after a wild night.

[@Amatugold]

With another buddy handing you a water.

[@vincentstouter449]

Wow, what great planning and superb airmanship! Semper Fi!

[@_TheRock]

For any marine reading this - you guys are flipping amazing!

[@chullychullster3077]

Definitely saving this one in the "Spectacles" playlist Ryan

[@mrmatt4873318]

The person who certified the cables 🤞😅

[@rodneyjackson7147]

you see its not the size of our army its technology or budget that makes me feel safe. its the training and professionalism of all our armed forces right down to the coast guard. you guys are all heros

[@TheNoobTrooper]

It’s beautiful how they taught this baby playing to fly

[@chrissmith8773]

I think there’s a fair chance that’s the most expensive load ever slung under a helicopter. 👏

[@coffeegonewrong]

Nope. Who would you trust to airlift the UFOs?

[@GaryBlouin]

Just some thoughts as a former CH-53E Crew Chief. Of course, things could have changed since I was in. 1. Flight originated - as stated in the video, from NAS Patuxent River. Typically, this area serves as our "Proving Grounds". Was common I'd see Crew Chiefs (and pilots), go to Patuxent to test something out, test a new feature or prove a concept. I suspect this was continued testing of the CH-53K. ie: External lift certification, airframe certification etc. or, getting other pilots and crew certified with the new airframe. 2. Although the map showed 160 miles @4:33, it was clear they flew over water and over unpopulated areas. This was a common practice in case the load had to be pickled (released due to unexpected external load characteristics which required us to release the load before loss / destruction of the helicopter). So, overall distance would be greater than 160 miles. For any major roads that required to be crossed, the state police and local police probably blocked off a section of the highway / roads to allow safe passage of the helicopter and load. 3. I suspect the lift and the aerial refueling for 1) pilot certification or 2) airframe certification. Was not uncommon - since we'd practice a lot, was to do a variety of training scenarios. ie: although we didn't need fuel, practiced refueling (both aerial and forward arming and refueling point (FARP)), carrying external loads, with night vision goggles, etc. A lot of this is continued training, gaining experience for co-pilots and crew chiefs, etc. The probe on the 53E - when retracted is 10 feet in length (I'd assume the same for the K model). It extends another 11 feet (pneumatic driven) during aerial refueling so it extends beyond the tip of the rotor blades. Don't want the basket to hit the rotor blades. However, there have been occasions when the pilot - especially new pilots or pilots that don't have a lot of aerial refueling experience, will accidently chop off the fuel probe with chasing the basket up and down.

[@user-bl8is3hi8n]

My father was in the Marine Air Corps Aviation Department during WW II. Like any Marine I've met, he did not talk about himself nor his experience. But I know he loved flying and was proud to be a Marine. I can see him doing this without comment. Oorah!

[@adamlewis4744]

Best military content hands down

[@khangkt1721]

I'm surprise that the Sea King was able to keep up with the refueling plane.

[@major__kong]

The KC-130 was flying with its flaps down. I bet they weren't flying more than 120-130kts.

[@silverbird425]

so were the Russians and Chinese

[@richardlamm4826]

The ch-53 cruises at 170 kts

[@cbnoble]

The flying skills of the KC-130 crew was impressive. They were probably just above the flaps extended stall speed, but kept it steady as can be. The helo crew is desveredly getting kudos, but don't dismiss the Herc crew.

[@anderssn]

Raising the volume so I could hear you at the start was a mistake, if possible try to balance the audio levels a bit in editing 😅

[@larrycox7169]

Cudos to the refueling crew. That aircraft was rock solid while connected.

[@deanlute794]

Dude that guy was relieved after delivery. Would have been the next F-35 viral story if something happened.

[@chuckles3265]

So wild the F35 can carry a helicopter like that! 🤯

[@davidwemett200]

how did the helicopter crew know that sling setup would work, and that the F35 wouldn't gyrate around in flight. Must have been some practice runs?

[@naverilllang]

​@@davidwemett200it is an aircraft, not a random load of boxes or whatever. Even if it's not operational, the airframe should have some inherent aerodynamic stability that makes this at least a little more safe.

[@deebee2854]

Thanks Ryan... USMC 1980-1990, Air Wing. Love and respect Naval Aviators all. Total shout out to my Ground side homies, too👍.

[@Mj-bg2uj]

That’s amazing ! Those helicopters fly over my house all time and I can feel my house shake. What an amazing sight to see . Thank you all for your service !