US President’s First Journey with the New Sikorsky VH-92A Marine One
On August 19, 2024, US President Joe Biden embarked on his inaugural flight aboard the Sikorsky VH-92A Patriot, the latest model designated as Marine One. This significant event took place following President Biden’s arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport via the Air Force One Boeing VC-25 aircraft. The helicopter transported the President from the airport directly to the parking lot of Chicago’s Soldier Field stadium. This flight was pivotal as it preceded his scheduled speech at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago later that evening.
The introduction of the VH-92A marks the culmination of the US Navy’s Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) and the US Marine Corps’ efforts in updating the presidential transport fleet. With the final delivery of the VH-92A by Sikorsky in early August 2024, the program successfully fulfilled its objective to replace the aging fleet with 23 new helicopters tailored for presidential duties. Colonel Alex Ramthun, the PMA-274 Program Manager, expressed immense pride in the performance, reduced maintenance costs, and the overall execution provided by the new fleet. The fleet consists of 21 operational helicopters and two reserved for testing, ensuring comprehensive support for the executive transport mission.
Finding the new Marine One
The quest for a new Marine One began following the termination of the VH-71 Kestrel program in 2009, which was discontinued due to significant delays and budget overruns. The Navy then relaunched its VXX program to seek a suitable replacement for the older VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopters. After a thorough evaluation process, Sikorsky’s VH-92A was chosen in 2014 as the successor, with a contract awarded by PMA-274 valued at approximately $5 billion. This decision came shortly before Sikorsky’s acquisition by Lockheed Martin in 2015.
The Sikorsky VH-92A, based on the robust S-92 aircraft, features an advanced mission communications system and an executive interior designed to offer superior comfort and functionality. It provides enhanced range and increased cabin space over its predecessors, the VH-3D and VH-60N. According to a 2020 report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the VH-92A program was generally on track with its cost and schedule, although some issues with communications software needed resolution. By November 2021, the initial two prototypes had been delivered, setting the stage for a comprehensive transition to the new model.
The transition to the VH-92A is supported by the dedicated efforts of the US Marine Corps (USMC), the White House Military Office, PMA-274, and Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), based at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico in Virginia. HMX-1 is responsible for providing secure and efficient transportation for the President, Vice President, and other VIPs. The squadron currently operates a mixed fleet that includes 10 VH-3D, six VH-60N, and nine VH-92A helicopters, with plans to gradually phase out the older models. Even before President Biden’s first official flight, the VH-92A helicopters were already being used for transporting presidential and security personnel effectively.