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January 14,2007
JOE MILLER View stories by reporter
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Fifty years ago, a small group of 12 officers and about 50 enlisted men started a new chapter in the history of New River Air Station.
Max Floyd was one of those original "Iron Horses" of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461.
"It was a humdinger," Floyd, now 84, recalls. "It was a good outfit."
Former members of the squadron returned to the air station this weekend for a 50th anniversary reunion. Members from the original group all the way to the current Marines took part in the festivities, which included a dinner and many strolls down memory lane.
"I think it's a great way to bridge the 50 years," said Ed Bowers, 70, one of the original members of the squadron.
The squadron was commissioned in 1957. It was equipped with the HR2S-1, which at one time was the largest helicopter in the Marine Corps.
In the 1960s, the HMH-461 participated in several deployments and exercises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas. In 1987, the squadron participated in the first operational flight on its new CH-53E helicopters.
More recently in 2000, the squadron returned helicopters stranded aboard the Norfolk, Va., naval base to New River to install new equipment to make them safer to fly.
Bowers has spent countless hours on the Internet trying to find contact information for members of the squadron. He was able to track down many of them.
Bowers remembers as a former sergeant, two Marines would share a cubicle for their living quarters.
"The guys today have it significantly better," he said.
Yet Bowers also fondly remembers the camaraderie he had with his fellow Marines.
"I'm extremely proud to have been there back when," he said. "I'm even more proud of the (men and women) that are there today."
Artist Michael Leahy was one of the original plank owners in the squadron. He devised the squadron patch; a male fist.
"There's all kind of eagles, chicken hawks, vultures, tigers," said Leahy, 73. "We were different. We were the heavy hitters."
Leahy flew 16 different helicopters and served in Korea, Vietnam and Grenada.
"Being a Marine in combat, the thing that comes first is taking care of your buddy," he said.
Floyd noted the squadron's changes over 50 years, including having better aircraft. He said it's a good life for anyone who wants to make the Marine Corps a career.
"Keep your nose clean," he said. "Do what you're told to do."
Lt. Col. Frank Crisafulli, commanding officer of the HMH-461 since May, said it was awesome to talk with the old Marine veterans and hear their stories.
"You got history walking around the squadron," he said.
Contact staff writer Joe Miller at jmiller@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 236
Posted : 2007-01-14 10:46
Hmh-461
I joined 461 in August 1967, right directly from flight school. The helo we were flying at Ellyson was the HUP-2. I was bowled over by the size of the HR2S.
The engine sponsons had big eyes painted on them and we called the aircraft RODAN, THE FLYING MONSTER.
Thanks, Wally for sending this along. Been along time ago
Bruce Colbert
Posted : 2007-01-15 13:01
I was the CO of 461 from November 1974-June 1976, flying the CH-53D. The squadron patch had been changed by that time to the Sea Stallion. In January 1976 we had an anniversary party for the squadron and the only original member of the squadron that I remember being there was Ed Hawley.
One of the Lieutenants had researched the original patch and had copies made. Those in the squadron at that time got a copy of Mike Leahy's mailed fist patch.
Posted : 2007-01-16 22:10
