The Wandering Disciple

A presidential helicopter is unloaded off a military transport plane in advance of a VIP movement in Florida.  The VH-3 Sea King, more commonly known as Marine One when the president is aboard, is the work horse of presidential airlift group.  Operated by the Marine Corps MX-1 squadron, the Sea King is responsible for operating and maintaining the fleet of helicopters used to support the mission.  In order to support this mission, the helicopter is disassembled to fit in the back of an Air Force cargo plane like the C-17 pictured here.  Once it arrives at the destination, it has to be reassembled by the crew of HMX-1 and made operational in advance of the arrival of the president or other VIP being transported by the crew.  (Photo: October 14, 2020)

The big blue C-130 of the Blue Angels more famously known as Fat Albert sits on the ramp at Lakeland-Linder International Airport.  If the blues are in town, this flying shop isn't too far away.  Operated by the US Marine Corp, Fat Albert provides support to the Blue Angels during their demonstration schedule and even sometimes participates in the performance.  (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A US Marine Corp Sikorsky VH-3 Sea King flies over the National Zoo on a flight towards the White House in Washington DC. The VH-3 is one of two helicopters flown by the Marines as part of the Presidential Airlift group. The Presidential helos are characterized by their white top. When the President is on board, the helicopter officially becomes Marine One. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

An F-5 Tiger II from the Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 comes in for a landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The group known as the "Snipers" is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and is the only adversary squadron in the US Marine Corps. These aircraft are used to simulate enemy combat maneuvers during training missions. (Photo: January 19, 2016)

Today the United States Marine Corps celebrates it 239th birthday. The USMC was founded during the Revolutionary War on November 10, 1776. The Second Continental Congress voted to form two Battalions of Marines under the command of Captain Samuel Nicholas. Today the corps has grown to over 194,000 active forces and 40,000 reservists. This photo is a AV-8B Harrier of the Marine Attack Squadron 542 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (Photo: March 24, 2013)

An AV-8B Harrier II from the US Marine Corps sits on static display at the Florida International Air Show. The Harrier is best know for its ability to take of vertically and hover, much like a helicopter. It is produced by McDonnell Douglas and entered into service in 1985. (Photo: March 24, 2013)

A fleet of Marine Corps helicopters sit on the tarmac at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. While everyone knows the iconic Marine One helicopter, these lesser known helicopters support the president while he flies onboard Marine One. This group is known as HMX-1 and is based at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico (Photo: October 24, 2009)

A VH-3 Sea King from the US Marine Corps HMX-1 Squadron flies over the National Zoo in Washington DC inbound to the south lawn of the White House. These presidential "White Tops" are the official helicopter of the President of the United States. Based in Quantico, the HMX-1 Squadron is responsible for the duties of presidential helicopter transport. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

An AV-8B Harrier II from the US Marine Corps sits on static display at the 2013 Florida International Airshow. The Harrier is a ground attack aircraft produced by McDonnell Douglas and is well known for its ability to hover. This Harrier is from the Marine Attack Squadron based at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. (Photo: March 24, 2013)