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U.S. Marine Corps helicopter Sqn. One (HMX-1) and the U.S. Army Executive Flight Detachment have as a primary mission the emergency evacuation of the President, his family, and other key government officials. After satisfying this mission, these units furnish helicopter transportation for the President and others. In 1961, the VH-3D Sea King began to replace the VH-34D as the primary executive transport.
The VH-3D Sea King succeeded the VH-34-D as the main administrator transportation in the year 1961. The helicopter was developed for the Navy as a carrier-based all-weather anti-submarine helicopter with comprehensive internal modifications. A special security was provided for the electric structure and soft controls. Self-sealing and crash-resistant fuel tanks, together with energy-absorbing landing gear and seating had improved the wreckage survivability.
In the year 1962, John F. Kennedy has requested that the VIP aircraft should have identifiable markings. The helicopters must have a green and white paint scheme on both sides of the fuselage, an American flag on both sides of the engine cowling, and the Presidential seal on both sides of the nose. The service designations were removed. The Sea King is still being used, together with other Presidential helicopters, and can frequently be seen as the regular aircraft being used to transport President George Bush to and from the White House lawn.
The helicopter became a VIP transportation and remained in service for more than 35 years. In addition to the passengers’ comfort, a number of protective measures were utilized. The light armor protects the crew and passengers from tiny weaponry fire and medium explosive projectiles.