According to information published by the US DoD on May 17, 2023, U.S. Marines from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, provided a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operation for a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine in the Philippine Sea, last week.
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CH-53E Super Stallions and Ohio class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine. (Picture source: US DoD)
During a routine patrol, two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st MAW, transported essential equipment to the USS Maine (SSBN 741), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. This vertical replenishment operation allowed the submarine to swiftly acquire vital resources while maintaining maritime security.
This mission serves as a testament to the significant role played by the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Stand-in-Force. Employing the SiF concept, the Marine Corps utilizes maneuver and logistics networks to remain within the Weapons Engagement Zone.
This approach effectively strengthens sea control, facilitates sea denial operations, integrates multi-domain activities, and ultimately enhances regional security.
About the CH-53E
It requires a crew of five for combat operations, including two pilots, a crew chief who doubles as the right gunner, a left gunner, and a tail gunner.
The aircraft has a variable capacity, capable of carrying 37 troops in its default configuration with folding canvas seats. With the addition of a center row, it can accommodate up to 55 troops, and when equipped with the new crash-attenuating seats, it can seat 31 passengers.
The CH-53E showcases a remarkable payload capability, able to carry an internal payload of 32,000 lbs (14,515 kg) and an external payload of 36,000 lbs (16,329 kg). Its dimensions measure 99 ft 0.5 in (30.188 m) in length and 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m) in height.
The helicopter's empty weight stands at 33,226 lbs (15,071 kg), while its maximum takeoff weight is 73,500 lbs (33,339 kg). Powering this behemoth are three General Electric T64-GE-416 / GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft engines, each capable of outputting 4,380 shp (3,270 kW).
The CH-53E's main rotor measures 79 ft (24.08 m) in diameter, offering a main rotor area of 4,900 sq ft (460 m2) with a Sikorsky SC1095 rotor system.
In terms of performance, the CH-53E can achieve a maximum speed of 170 knots (200 mph, 310 km/h), with a cruise speed of 150 knots (170 mph, 280 km/h).
Its never exceed speed also stands at 170 knots. The aircraft possesses a range of 540 nautical miles (620 mi, 1,000 km), a combat range of 180 nautical miles (210 mi, 330 km), and a ferry range of 990 nautical miles (1,140 mi, 1,830 km). It operates at a service ceiling of 18,500 ft (5,600 m) and has a rate of climb of 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s).
The CH-53E's armament includes two window-mounted GAU-21 machine guns firing .50 BMG rounds, along with a ramp-mounted GAU-21 (M3M mounted machine gun) also firing .50 BMG rounds.
