Nixon’s Farewell Helicopter Returns to Library Following Extensive Refurbishment
Chopper will be lifted into place by crane October 6,
New Nixon Library opens to public October 14
WHERE:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, California 92886
WHEN:
Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016
Between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
WHAT:
The Army One helicopter that flew presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford and has been on display since 2006 will return to the Nixon Library after seven weeks at Chino Airport, where it underwent an extensive restoration. It will be lifted over an eight-foot fence and returned to its place on display at the New Nixon Library, which opens Oct. 14.
The helicopter, which seats sixteen and cost one million dollars to construct in 1960, is a six-ton Sikorsky VH 3A “Sea King” model, bureau number 150617. President Nixon used it on more than 180 trips, including an overseas summit with President Anwar Sadat of Egypt in 1974 and the farewell from the White House South Lawn.
The helicopter was retired from White House service in 1976 and later used for the training of Secret Service. After being put in storage, the helicopter’s interior and exterior were restored, and it was installed on the grounds of the library. The helicopter is on loan courtesy of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
CONTACT:
Joe Lopez, [email protected], 714-364-1147