Tillamook, OR – A rare sight will soon unfold over the Oregon Coast — a U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian aircraft will be slung beneath a Marine Corps CH-53K Sea Stallion helicopter and flown to its new home at the Tillamook Air Museum in a remarkable visual display. Date(s) for the arrival will be announced soon!
The Tillamook Air Museum is proud to announce the upcoming acquisition of a U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian, a distinguished aircraft with over three decades of service to the nation. The aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the museum in the near future, in an extraordinary airborne operation involving a CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter from VMX-1, the U.S. Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron based in Yuma, Arizona.
Originally delivered to the United States Coast Guard on February 28, 1982, this HU-25 Guardian performed a variety of critical missions including search and rescue operations, migrant and drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, and military readiness support. Over the course of its service, it was stationed in San Diego, CA; Corpus Christi, TX; Mobile, AL; and Cape Cod, MA, among other stations.
Following its retirement in late 2013, the Guardian was placed on static display at Coast Guard Station Astoria, Oregon, where it has remained until now. It will soon take its place in the Museum’s historic collection, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the Coast Guard’s aviation legacy.
“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 CDR Neal Corbin & LCDR Steven Podmore and the rest of Coast Guard Station Astoria for their partnership in making this acquisition possible.”
The HU-25 Guardian is the first Coast Guard aircraft to join the Museum’s collection, representing an exciting expansion in the scope of aircraft and stories preserved by the institution.
“Witnessing such an aerial transport is exceptionally rare and will be an unforgettable experience,” said the Museum’s Director, Rita Welch. “It’s a powerful way to mark the arrival of a significant addition to our collection.”
The Museum encourages the public to stay tuned to its social media channels for the official arrival date and viewing details as this exciting acquisition approaches! www.tillamookair.com