NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- The Marine Corps is now planning to launch its initial CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter deployment in calendar year 2026, program manager Col. Kate Fleeger said today, marking a delay of roughly a year compared to the 2025 deployment date previously listed by the service. The Marine Corps aims to build its inventory of spare parts and support equipment to increase repair and sustainment capabilities before beginning the deployment, Fleeger said when asked for an explanation of the...
