It takes an aircraft to deliver an aircraft, at least in the case of the U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian, a fixed-wing jet that will soon be delivered to the Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon.
The HU-25 Guardian—a militarized Falcon—is the first Coast Guard aircraft to join the museum’s collection. The aircraft entered service with the branch on February 28, 1982. The jet was used for search and rescue, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and migrant and drug interdiction. The Coast Guard jet had multiple stations, including San Diego; Corpus Christi, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
In 2013 the aircraft was retired and put on static display at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Oregon—some 44 miles to the north of the museum in Tillamook.
According to museum officials, the HU-25 will arrive slung beneath a Marine Corps CH-53K heavy lift helicopter from VMX-1, the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron based in Yuma, Arizona.
“We are truly honored to have this Coast Guard aircraft added to the museum’s collection,” said Christian Gurling, curator of the Tillamook Air Museum. “Given the significant role the Coast Guard plays in our coastal communities, it is a privilege to welcome this aircraft and share its unique story. We are especially grateful to [Commander] Neal Corbin and [Lieutenant Commander] Steven Podmore and the rest of Coast Guard Station Astoria for their partnership in making this acquisition possible.”
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The exact date of the delivery has not been determined yet, but museum officials encourage the public to “stay tuned” to museum social media channels for the official arrival date and viewing details.
“Witnessing such an aerial transport is exceptionally rare and will be an unforgettable experience,” said museum director Rita Welch.
The Tillamook Air Museum is located on the coast of Oregon. The airport became a base for the U.S. Navy lighter-than air program (blimps) during World War II as the airships were used to patrol the coast looking for enemy submarines.
