MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 here became the first

Marine Corps' squadron to have the CH-53E "Super Stallion" flying, Sept. 15, after

nearly a month-long hiatus.

The Naval Air Systems Command grounded the helicopters over safety concerns

resulting from the investigation of the Aug. 10 mishap of a Navy MH-53E Super

Stallion off the Gulf of Mexico.  According to the initial investigator's report,

duplex bearings inside the aircraft's swashplate froze up, preventing the aircraft's

rotor from turning.

Naval Air Systems Command decided the swashplates on all 53s should be

replaced with an improved swashplate system.

In addition to new swashplates, a Bearing Monitor System had to be installed in each

MH-53E and CH-53E before it could resume flight.

Aside from installing the BMS, the Sikorsky team also had to train pilots and

aircrew to use the system. The new system constantly monitors temperatures and

vibration levels of the bearings among several other things, said Capt. Dave Bergum,

HMH-361 assistant aircraft maintenance officer and pilot.

"It's a real-time, real-world indication that the swashplate or the bearings

maybe failing," said Bergum.

Until the BMS was installed, a crew had no warnings in the cockpit to indicate

there were problems with the swashplate bearings. 

Prior to the new system, in order to test the bearings after every 25 hours of helo

flight a lengthy vibration test had to be done, said Bergum.

Limited parts in the supply system and having only a few Sikorsky teams qualified to

put in the BMS added to the time it has taken to get any of these aircraft flying. 

Sikorsky, who manufactured the aircraft, had one such team aboard Miramar. 

Because of their close proximity to '361 and because the squadron is next to depart

on a Western Pacific deployment, they were the first to receive the new swashplates

and have the BMS installed.

Once a BMS was installed the Marines of '361 had to replace the swashplate. 

Replacing the swashplate is a timely procedure that typically takes a six-man crew

60 hours to complete one swashplate change. 

This procedure entails removing the rotor blades and every portion of the rotor

in order to get to the swashplate, said Bergum.  Despite the extensive maintenance

required, 361 mechanics had three swashplates removed and new ones installed in 30

hours total. 

Bergum said many Marines were surprised at the speed that the swashplates were

replaced.  However, he knew the Marines' pride in their work proved to be the

motivation they needed. "These are their aircraft and their pride in work (drove

them).  Ultimately, they know if aircraft are flying it's because of them," said

Bergum.

The squadron now has six of the seven aircraft flying at Marine Corps Air

Station Miramar, but there is still considerable down time for Marines. 

"We're taking full advantage of this down time to maximize ground training

opportunities for all HMH-361 Marines," said Lt. Col. Fred Wenger III, HMH-361

commanding officer. 

This training includes getting ahead of annual training by sending Marines to

advance technical schools, rifle and pistol range training, as well as battle skills

training and primary marksmen instruction.

Despite the increase in training opportunities, Marine are glad to have the helos

back in the air.  "It's good to have them flying.   Up there it's our own world and

we love what we do," said Cpl. Justin Mowitz, HMH-361 crew chief.