Training & Certification
Secret Service Uses Retired Marine One Helicopter for Agent Training
Decommissioned VH-3D helicopter enhances Secret Service training realism at Maryland facility, replacing outdated mock-ups for presidential protection drills.
The Acquisition of a Decommissioned Marine One Helicopter by the U.S. Secret Service for Advanced Agent Training: A Comprehensive Analysis
The U.S. Secret Service has taken a significant step in enhancing its protective training programs by acquiring a decommissioned VH-3D Marine One helicopter. This aircraft, which served every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Joe Biden, is now stationed at the James J. Rowley Training Center in Maryland. Its purpose: to provide agents with immersive, realistic training scenarios that closely mirror actual presidential missions.
This initiative reflects a broader strategy of modernizing law enforcement training through the repurposing of authentic, mission-tested military equipment. The helicopter replaces a deteriorated mock-up that had long outlived its usefulness, offering a much-needed upgrade in realism and functionality. The partnership between the Secret Service and the U.S. Marine Corps not only preserves a piece of presidential history but also sets a precedent for interagency collaboration in resource sharing.
In this article, we explore the historical context of Marine One, the capabilities of the Rowley Training Center, the acquisition process of the VH-3D, and the broader implications for protective operations. Through detailed analysis and sourced insights, we aim to present a factual and comprehensive understanding of this strategic development.
Historical Evolution of Marine One and Presidential Helicopter Transport
Origins and Early Development
Presidential use of helicopters began during the Eisenhower administration, driven by the need for rapid evacuation capabilities during the Cold War. On July 12, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first U.S. president to fly in a helicopter, marking the beginning of a new era in executive mobility. Initially, both Army and Marine helicopters were used, designated as “Army One” and “Marine One” depending on the operating branch during presidential transport.
By 1976, the Marine Corps assumed sole responsibility for presidential helicopter transport under Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). This transition streamlined operations and training, establishing a consistent standard for executive airlift missions.
This evolution reflected the growing importance of helicopters in White House logistics and emergency planning. Helicopters offered flexibility, speed, and access to locations that fixed-wing aircraft could not reach, making them indispensable for modern presidential travel.
The VH-3D Era and Transition to VH-92A
The Sikorsky VH-3D entered service in the 1970s and became a mainstay of presidential transport for over five decades. Measuring over 72 feet in length, the VH-3D was powered by twin General Electric T58-GE-400B engines and featured advanced avionics and secure communications systems. It was designed to operate in a range of conditions, including night and all-weather missions.
Despite periodic upgrades, the aging VH-3D fleet eventually faced limitations due to evolving security and performance requirements. This led to the development of the VH-92A, a modern replacement based on the Sikorsky S-92 platform. The VH-92A offers increased payload, enhanced communications, and improved safety features. The transition to this new model began in the 2010s, with full deployment completed in 2024.
The VH-3D’s retirement marked the end of an era, but its legacy continues through its new role in training future generations of protective agents.
The Secret Service Rowley Training Center: Capabilities and Training Programs
Overview of the Training Facility
Located in Laurel, Maryland, the James J. Rowley Training Center is the primary facility for training Secret Service agents and Uniformed Division officers. Spanning nearly 500 acres, the center includes 31 buildings, six miles of roadways, firearms ranges, and a mock urban environment designed for realistic scenario training.
The center also houses specialized facilities such as an aquatic training tank for water survival instruction and an underground Continuity of Operations (COOP) command center. These features support a wide range of training objectives, from tactical response to emergency relocation protocols.
Training at Rowley is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, involving coordination with other federal agencies, local law enforcement, and military units like HMX-1. This collaborative approach ensures agents are prepared for real-world protective missions involving multiple stakeholders.
Existing Training Assets and Limitations
Prior to the acquisition of the VH-3D, the Rowley Center relied on an outdated and deteriorated mock helicopter. This structure had become unsafe and ineffective, with jammed doors, structural corrosion, and infestations that rendered it unusable for hands-on training.
Instructors were forced to rely on classroom instruction or avoid the mock-up altogether, limiting the realism of training scenarios. This gap posed a risk to operational readiness, especially for agents assigned to presidential helicopter details.
The need for a functional, realistic training platform became increasingly urgent, prompting the search for a suitable replacement that could meet modern training standards.
Acquisition of the Decommissioned Marine One Helicopter: Process and Significance
The Need for a Realistic Training Platform
The limitations of the old mock helicopter highlighted the necessity for a more effective training tool. A real, decommissioned aircraft would allow agents to practice embarkation and disembarkation procedures, in-flight security protocols, and emergency evacuations under realistic conditions.
Such hands-on experience is critical for agents assigned to the Presidential Protective Division, where precision and familiarity with aircraft operations can make the difference in high-stakes situations.
The acquisition of an actual Marine One helicopter addressed these needs directly, providing a platform that mirrors the operational environment agents will encounter in the field.
The Transfer Process: From Marine Corps to Secret Service
The transfer of the VH-3D was initiated through a conversation between Deputy Chief Michael Jazwiecki of the Secret Service and General Eric Smith of the U.S. Marine Corps. This dialogue led to collaboration with the Presidential Helicopters Program Office, which facilitated the demilitarization and transfer of the aircraft.
After undergoing a three-month process to remove classified systems, the helicopter was transported to the Rowley Center on June 24, 2025. The aircraft was shrink-wrapped and delivered by flatbed truck, then installed adjacent to the facility’s mock Air Force One for integrated training exercises.
This direct interagency transfer bypassed bureaucratic hurdles and ensured the asset was tailored to the specific training needs of the Secret Service.
Historical Significance of the Acquired Helicopter
The acquired VH-3D has a storied history, having served every U.S. president from Nixon to Biden. Its presence at the Rowley Center adds a layer of historical context to training, connecting agents to the legacy of presidential protection.
The aircraft’s configuration is nearly identical to the current VH-92A, allowing for accurate simulations of protective procedures. This includes seating arrangements, cabin dimensions, and ingress/egress points, all critical for realistic drills.
As Deputy Special Agent in Charge Troy Sarria noted, the helicopter provides a “hands-on, realistic training environment” that was previously unavailable, significantly enhancing the preparedness of agents entering the field.
“This provides a hands-on, realistic training environment for agents headed to the president’s or vice president’s detail,” , Deputy Special Agent in Charge Troy Sarria
Conclusion
The Secret Service’s acquisition of a decommissioned VH-3D Marine One helicopter marks a pivotal advancement in protective training. By replacing an outdated mock-up with a historically significant, fully demilitarized aircraft, the agency has significantly enhanced the realism and effectiveness of its training programs.
This initiative not only preserves a vital piece of presidential history but also sets a precedent for future interagency collaborations. As threats to executive safety continue to evolve, investments in realistic training assets like the VH-3D ensure that the Secret Service remains prepared to meet emerging challenges with precision and professionalism.
FAQ
What is the VH-3D Marine One helicopter?
The VH-3D is a variant of the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, used for presidential transport by the U.S. Marine Corps. It served from the 1970s until its retirement in 2024.
Why did the Secret Service acquire a decommissioned Marine One?
The helicopter was acquired to enhance training at the Rowley Training Center, replacing an outdated mock-up and providing realistic scenarios for protective operations.
How was the helicopter transferred to the Secret Service?
The transfer was facilitated through a direct collaboration between the Secret Service and the U.S. Marine Corps, specifically the Presidential Helicopters Program Office.
Sources:
Fox News,
Naval Air Systems Command,
U.S. Secret Service
Photo Credit: Militarydotcom
Training & Certification
HAVELSAN Expands 737 MAX and A320 Simulator Orderbooks
HAVELSAN grows its Boeing 737 MAX and A320 simulator orderbooks while building a new Ankara facility with 30-unit annual capacity.
Türkiye-headquartered flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN is rapidly expanding its commercial aviation training footprint, securing new orders for its Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320 family full flight simulators while constructing a high-capacity production facility in Ankara.
In press releases issued on August 31 and September 1, 2026, the company confirmed its Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) orderbook has grown to five devices. Concurrently, HAVELSAN announced orders for six additional Airbus A320 family training devices, building on the five A320 simulators it already has in operation.
Narrowbody simulator orderbook growth
The recent orderbook expansion is heavily supported by Turkish Airlines (TK). Following the delivery of its latest order for two devices, the national carrier will operate five HAVELSAN-built Boeing 737 MAX simulators.
HAVELSAN noted that eight different airlines and pilot training centers have conducted evaluation fly-outs on its Boeing 737 MAX FFS. All of the manufacturer’s full flight simulators currently in operation have achieved European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA”>EASA) qualification, a critical regulatory benchmark for international sales.
Infrastructure expansion in Ankara
To support the growing backlog of its STARLINE simulator portfolio, HAVELSAN is executing a major infrastructure investment. In March 2026, the company broke ground on a new 17,000-square-meter Simulator Production and Integration Facility in Ankara.
Scheduled to enter service in 2027, the new plant will allow the company to produce up to 30 simulators annually. The facility is designed to support the simultaneous development and integration of 16 devices. Once operational, HAVELSAN’s total infrastructure capacity in Ankara will reach 40 commercial and military simulators.
Strategic market positioning
The narrowbody simulator announcements follow a major July 2026 agreement with Turkish Airlines for 12 new training devices, comprising eight full flight simulators and four flight training devices. That agreement also marked HAVELSAN’s strategic entry into the wide-body aircraft simulation market.
Beyond its domestic market, the company is actively targeting international operators. HAVELSAN recently showcased its STARLINE portfolio at the Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) 2026 in Singapore, aiming to capture demand from Asia-Pacific carriers expanding their narrowbody fleets.
AirPro News analysis
We view HAVELSAN’s concurrent investments in production capacity and EASA qualification as a clear strategy to transition from a regional defense supplier into a global commercial aviation training provider. By scaling its manufacturing infrastructure to support 30 simulators annually, the company is positioning itself to compete directly for narrowbody training contracts against established tier-one simulator manufacturers. The entry into wide-body simulation with Turkish Airlines will likely serve as a critical proof of concept for future international campaigns.
Photo Credit: HAVELSAN
Training & Certification
CPaT Global Partners With Nippon Cargo Airlines for 747-8 Training
CPaT Global will provide digital pilot training solutions to Nippon Cargo Airlines, covering approximately 200 Boeing 747-8 crew members.
Aviation training provider CPaT Global has secured a partnerships with Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) to supply digital pilot training solutions for the Japanese freight operator’s Boeing 747-8 freighter crews.
In a press release issued on September 1, 2026, CPaT Global confirmed the agreement will support approximately 200 pilots. The partnership provides NCA with a centralized digital learning environment that integrates CPaT’s proprietary courseware with the airline’s existing training resources.
Digital Integration for Flight Crews
Under the agreement, NCA will utilize the CPaT Learning Management System (LMS) alongside the developer’s General Subjects courseware. The airline will also implement CPaT Invent and Certificate Builder. These tools allow the operator to incorporate SCORM-compatible third-party content into a single training system.
“We are proud to welcome Nippon Cargo Airlines as a CPaT training partner and expand our support for the aviation community in Japan,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales at CPaT Global.
Darrow added that the selection demonstrates the flexibility required by airlines from modern learning platforms, noting the company’s intent to build further relationships with operators throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Corporate Restructuring Under ANA Holdings
The training partnership follows a period of significant corporate transition for the Narita-headquartered cargo airline, which was established in 1978. On August 1, 2025, ANA Holdings Inc. finalized its acquisitions of NCA.
According to reporting by CargoForwarder Global, ANA Holdings initiated a strategic reorganization on April 1, 2026, to merge its separate freight units, including NCA, NCA Japan, and ANA Cargo. Under this restructuring, NCA continues as the operating arm and maintains its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to fly its fleet of eight Boeing 747-8 freighters.
AirPro News analysis
We view NCA’s investment in a new digital training infrastructure as a practical step to ensure operational continuity during its integration into the broader ANA Group. By adopting a centralized LMS while retaining its distinct AOC, the cargo operator can standardize recurrent training for its 747-8 crews without disrupting its specialized freight operations.
Sources: CPaT Global
Photo Credit: CPaT Global
Training & Certification
Acron Aviation CTS Signs Boeing 737 Training Deal With ASL Australia
Acron Aviation CTS secures preferred supplier agreement for Boeing 737 Type Rating training with ASL Airlines Australia through 2028.
Acron Aviation Commercial Training Solutions (CTS) has secured a multi-year preferred supplier agreement to provide Boeing 737 Type Rating training for ASL Airlines Australia through the end of 2028.
Announced in a September 2, 2026, press release, the contract formalizes a long-term training pipeline following an initial program completed in the first half of 2026. The instruction will continue to be delivered at the CTS London Training Centre.
Tailored Boeing 737 Training Curriculum
The agreement encompasses comprehensive Boeing 737 Type Rating instruction and includes provisions for Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) training. A key component of the curriculum is the integration of ASL Airlines Australia’s specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This tailored approach is designed to ensure pilots transition directly into line operations upon completion of the simulator phases.
Captain Nathan Burkitt, Head of Training and Checking for Flight Operations at ASL Airlines Australia, stated that trainee feedback on the initial courses has been highly favorable.
“Feedback from our trainees on the course, facilities, instructors and overall training environment has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the instructors’ professionalism, knowledge and commitment to helping every pilot succeed,” Burkitt said.
Corporate Transition and Future Operations
The finalization of this training contract occurs during a period of corporate restructuring for the training provider. On August 26, 2026, parent company Acron Technologies announced a definitive agreement to divest its Commercial Training Solutions business to FlightSafety International (FSI). That transaction includes the Training Systems, Training Services, and Aviation Academy portfolios, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Despite the pending acquisition, CTS leadership emphasized operational continuity and customer focus. Patrick Davis, Vice President and General Manager of the London Training Centre for Acron Aviation CTS, noted the agreement reflects the airline’s confidence in the facility’s instructional quality.
“We’re delighted that ASL Airlines Australia has extended its partnership with Acron Aviation and selected us as a preferred supplier for Boeing 737 Type Rating training through to the end of 2028,” Davis said.
AirPro News analysis
We view the timing of this multi-year agreement as a positive indicator for the impending integration of the CTS business into FlightSafety International. Securing a guaranteed training pipeline through 2028 provides immediate revenue visibility for the London Training Centre under its new ownership. The commitment from ASL Airlines Australia demonstrates that the pending corporate handover has not deterred operator confidence in the facility’s ability to deliver specialized, SOP-integrated Boeing 737 instruction.
Sources: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation
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