Age, Upkeep Costs Prompting Marines To Retire CH-53Ds Two Years Early

The Marine Corps will retire the CH-53D medium-lift helicopter at least two years earlier than planned due to the age of the aircraft and the savings that could come from not having to sustain it as the V-22 Osprey replaces it later this decade, Lt. Gen. George Trautman, deputy commandant for aviation, said last week.