The first of the new CH-53D "Sea Stallion" helicopters was formally delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps during ceremonies at the Sikorsky plant at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on March 3, 1969.

Major General K. B. McCutcheon, Deputy Chief of Staff (Air), Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, accepted the CH-53D from Sikorsky Aircraft Division President, Wesley A. Kuhrt. General McCutcheon took a ride in the new cargo/troop carrying helicopter and witnessed a demonstration of its lifting and flying capabilities. The aircraft is an improved mdoel of the CH-53A series which was introduced in Vietnam in late 1966.

The CH-53D can transport 38 fully-equipped combat troops, or 8,000 pounds of cargo, more than 100 miles and return without refueling.

During the demonstration flight, the aircraft lifted a 19,000 pound weight while carrying a full 4,000 pound fuel load. It has a combined lift-weight of more than 50,000 pounds.

Despite its size, the CH-53D can out-manoeuvre a much smaller aircraft. During the demonstration flight, it accomplished a series of loops and a complete rolling maneuver.

The CH-53D "Sea Stallion" has a cruising speed of 170 knots and a vertical lift speed of 3,500 feet-per-minute.