Aircraft Helicopters

Retired Marine One Arrives at Secret Service Training Center

Authentic helicopter joins agency’s fleet, offering agents hands-on experience with a presidential icon.

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 03:00 PM ET

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U.S. Secret Service training helicopter [Credit: U.S. Secret Service]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Secret Service acquired a decommissioned, authentic Marine One helicopter (VH-3D 351) for its James J. Rowley Training Center in Maryland.
This acquisition significantly upgrades protective training capabilities, offering agents a realistic platform for scenarios involving the president and vice president.
The new helicopter replaces an aging, non-authentic aircraft, allowing for comprehensive interior and exterior training, and is strategically placed next to a mock Air Force One for realistic transition drills.
The genuine piece of presidential history will be used weekly for training and also serve as an educational exhibit for visitors.

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The U.S. Secret Service has recently acquired an authentic Marine One helicopter for its James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC) in Laurel, Maryland, enhancing protective training capabilities for agents preparing to safeguard the president and vice president.

Authentic Presidential Aircraft Enhances Training

The newly acquired VH-3D 351 model, which arrived June 24 on a flatbed trailer, represents a substantial upgrade from the aging helicopter previously used at the facility.

Ryan is Group President for Firecrown's Aviation Group. In 2013, he founded AirlineGeeks.com, a leading trade publication covering the airline industry. Since then, his work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the airline industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Previously, he worked for a Part 135 operator and later a major airline. Ryan is also an Adjunct Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.