USMC AH-1W Super Cobra retired

USA The US Marine Corps held a Whiskey Sundown Ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 14 to mark the final retirement of the Bell AH-1W Super Cobra.

As part of the event, an AH-1W operated by Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA-773) Detachment A ‘Nomads’ made a final flight over New Orleans.

It marked the end of a 34-year career for the type in the marine corps service, during which it accumulated 933,614 flight hours. The iconic aircraft served as the dedicated attack helicopter for the marines through multiple campaigns, including Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The type has been replaced by the AH-1Z Viper. Col David Walsh, Naval Air Systems Command light attack helicopter programmes manager, said: “Although the AH-1W chapter is closing, the AH-1Z Viper stands ready with even greater capability to support our marines for years to come.”

Source: AirForces Monthly - December 2020

Photo: HMLA-773 Det A AH-1W Super Cobra 165051 ‘MM-20’ makes a final flight over New Orleans during the Whiskey Sundown Ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 14 (Photo by USMC/Lance Cpl Christopher England)

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USMC AH-1W Super Cobra retired

(14.12.2020)