After nine months of undergoing meticulous work, HH-52 CGNR 1426 (“The Phoenix”) is almost ready to go to its new home at the National Air and Space Museum…just in time for the 100th anniversary of U.S. Coast Guard Aviation. The restoration project leads, VectorCSP artisans John Siemens and Craig Simmons, are proud of this stunning aircraft. “We look back on the HH-52 as a magnificent workhorse that helped establish the Coast Guard’s stellar reputation for saving lives. We are happy to have played a role in seeing it take its rightful place among the other legendary aircraft displayed at the Smithsonian.”
On December 11, the Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City hosted a rollout ceremony for the Coast Guard Aviation Association, the principal sponsor of the restoration effort. The helicopter will be transported to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in February 2016 for final assembly and induction at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aviation Anniversary celebration event in April.
