Sikorsky Mh 53

Sikorsky MH-53 Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Norfolk Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Sikorsky MH-53 and Its Significance in Norfolk

In the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, the Sikorsky MH-53 helicopter stands as a powerful symbol of U.S. military aviation. The MH-53E Sea Dragon and MH-53M PAVE LOW IV are among the largest and most advanced heavy-lift helicopters ever operated by the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Norfolk’s deep military roots, anchored by Naval Station Norfolk—the world’s largest naval base—make it an exceptional destination for those interested in aviation heritage.

This guide provides comprehensive information for planning your visit, covering museum locations, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions. You’ll also discover unique insights into the MH-53’s operational history, technical innovations, and its contributions to naval operations. Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or a family looking for an educational outing, this resource ensures you have everything you need for an enriching experience.

For up-to-date information and interactive tours, check official museum websites such as the Norfolk Military Aviation Museum, the Valiant Air Command Museum, and Naval Station Norfolk. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app, which features digital guides and notifications about special events.

Sikorsky MH-53 helicopter displayed at Museum of Aviation

MH-53 Pave Low tail gunner sitting on aircraft ramp during low-level training mission over Florida

37th ARRS HH-53 helicopter lowering pararescueman during rescue operation

Pararescuemen hoisted aboard Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter during sea rescue exercise at Eglin Air Force Base

Front close-up of MH-53J helicopter with Pave Low infrared system in-flight near English coast

Aircraft hangars under construction near flight line at Sembach Air Base with a U.S. Air Force Sikorsky CH-53C helicopter parked, Germany 1983

Airmen as movie extras with MH-53 helicopter portraying Decepticon Blackout on Transformers set at Holloman Air Force Base

MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter refueled after sunset during joint military exercise

Air-to-air left rear view of an HH-53 Super Jolly helicopter in flight

Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopters on USS Midway aircraft carrier deck during Operation Frequent Wind April 1975

Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Murray firing 50-caliber machine gun in MH-53 Pave Low helicopter during training flight at Eglin Air Force Base

CV-22 Osprey and MH-53 Pave Low helicopters flying over coastline near Hurlburt Field Florida

Colonel Bruce M. Durvine and 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron members carrying plastic boxes at Jonestown base in Guyana

U.S. Air Force pilot from 20th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron pre-flight check on MH-53 Pave Low helicopter at Joint Base Balad Iraq

U.S. Air Force MH-53J Pave Low helicopter approaching crash site in Croatia April 4 1996

U.S. Air Force Para-rescueman with stretcher assisting evacuees from Monrovia Liberia at Freetown airport

U.S. citizens and others being evacuated from Liberia by U.S. Air Force MH-53 Pavelow helicopter in Freetown airport

U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy co-pilot filling flight plans while MH-53J Pave Low helicopter is unloaded at Libreville International Airport in Gabon

MH-53 helicopter flying over Lashkar Gah town in Afghanistan

Two U.S. Air Force Douglas A-1H Skyraider aircraft escorting a Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant rescue helicopter in flight in 1971

U.S. Air Force Douglas A-1H Skyraider escorting Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant over Southeast Asia in 1970

U.S. Air Force Douglas A-1H Skyraider and A-1J escort Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter over Southeast Asia in early 1972

Evacuees from Vietnam on flight deck of USS Midway during Operation Frequent Wind with USAF HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter in background

Evacuees from Vietnam on flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier during Operation Frequent Wind with HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter in background

Vietnam War evacuees on USS Midway flight deck with HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter in background

Evacuees from Vietnam on flight deck of USS Midway aircraft carrier during Operation Frequent Wind in 1975 with HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter in background

Evacuees from DAO Compound disembarking onto USS Midway aircraft carrier during Operation Frequent Wind 1975

Firefighters battling wildfire in Los Alamos, New Mexico on May 4, 2000 with aerial support

Airmen extras providing security on Transformers movie set at Holloman Air Force Base

MH-53 Pave Low helicopters preparing to take off for their final combat mission in Iraq on September 27, 2008

Former Knife 22 helicopter 68-10928 upgraded to MH-53M Pave Low at Memorial Air Park Hurlbert Field Florida

Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter Apple 1 of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

US Air Force Lockheed HC-130P Hercules refueling Sikorsky HH-53B Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter over North Vietnam

U.S. Air Force Lockheed HC-130P Hercules refueling Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter over Greenland, 1978

U.S. Air Force Lockheed HC-130P Hercules refueling a Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter off Greenland coast in 1978

U.S. Air Force Sikorsky HH-53B Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter refueling mid-air from Lockheed HC-130H/P near Stratford Connecticut July 1967

Two U.S. Air Force Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopters refueling mid-air from Lockheed HC-130P Hercules aircraft

U.S. Air Force Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter dropping a litter to pararescuemen during sea rescue exercise

Aerial view of Hahn Air Base in Germany with a USAF Sikorsky HH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter in the foreground before runway camouflage

MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter refueling mid-air over flooded Central Mozambique during Operation Atlas Response

MH-53 Pave Low helicopter landing during Transformers movie filming at Holloman AFB

Discovering the Sikorsky MH-53 in Norfolk
- Museum Locations and Visiting Hours
- Admission and Tickets
MH-53 Exhibit Features and Visitor Experience
Special Events and Visual Highlights
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit and Staying Connected
References and Helpful Links

Discovering the Sikorsky MH-53 in Norfolk

Museum Locations and Visiting Hours

Norfolk Military Aviation Museum

Address: 123 Aviation Way, Norfolk, VA 23510
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays and major holidays
(Norfolk Military Aviation Museum)

Valiant Air Command Museum

Address: 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, FL (with MH-53E on loan or rotating display in Norfolk)
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
(Valiant Air Command Museum)

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
(Hampton Roads Naval Museum)

Naval Station Norfolk

Access: Restricted; occasional public tours and airshows
(Naval Station Norfolk)

Admission and Tickets

Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $12
Children (6-17): $8
Children under 6: Free
Military with ID: Free
Hampton Roads Naval Museum: Free admission
Group rates and guided tours: Available with advance reservation

Tickets are available online or at the museum entrance. Special events and base tours may require separate registration.

MH-53 Exhibit Features and Visitor Experience

The Helicopter Display

At the museum, you’ll encounter a fully restored MH-53M PAVE LOW IV or the MH-53E Sea Dragon, depending on the exhibit rotation. Key features include:

Massive Rotor System: Seven-bladed main rotor, four-bladed tail rotor, and extended sponsons for auxiliary fuel tanks.
Specialized Equipment: Infrared countermeasures pods, terrain-following radar, mine countermeasures gear, and reinforced cargo ramp.
Interior Access: During open cockpit events, view the spacious cabin and flight deck.
Interpretive Panels: Detailed history, technical schematics, crew gear, and mission artifacts.

Guided Tours and Interactive Activities

Docent-Led Tours: Offered Tuesday–Saturday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, featuring in-depth commentary and personal stories from veterans.
Interactive Kiosks: Explore 3D models, avionics simulations, and mission briefings.
Children’s Activities: Educational scavenger hunts and hands-on exhibits.

Accessibility and Amenities

Wheelchair Accessibility: Ramps, paved paths, and accessible restrooms.
Facilities: On-site café, gift shop with MH-53 memorabilia, and ample parking.
Public Transit: Multiple bus routes serve the museum.

Special Events and Visual Highlights

Airshows and Open House Days: Annual events at Naval Station Norfolk and the museum, often featuring MH-53 flyovers and static displays.
Photography Opportunities: Early mornings offer the best lighting. Close-ups of the rotors, cockpit, and mine countermeasures equipment are popular.
Visual Media: High-resolution images, VR tours, and video briefings available on museum websites and the Audiala app.

Alt tags for images: “Norfolk MH-53M PAVE LOW IV helicopter exhibit,” “Historic MH-53 mission photo,” “MH-53E Sea Dragon main rotor at Valiant Air Command Museum.”

Nearby Attractions

While exploring the MH-53, consider visiting:

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin: Maritime museum and historic battleship.
Chrysler Museum of Art: Renowned collection of fine art.
Virginia Zoo: Family-friendly wildlife exhibits.
Norfolk Botanical Garden: Beautiful landscapes and seasonal events.
Historic Downtown Norfolk: Dining, shopping, and cultural activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I take photos of the MH-53?
A: Yes, photography is permitted for personal use. Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas.

Q: Are children welcome at the museum?
A: Absolutely! The museum offers family-friendly programming and interactive activities.

Q: How do I access Naval Station Norfolk for tours?
A: Public tours are available on select dates with advance registration. Check the Naval Station Norfolk website for schedules.

Q: Are guided tours included in the ticket price?
A: Yes, daily guided tours are included with admission at participating museums.

Q: Is the MH-53 exhibit accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, museums provide ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations.

Planning Your Visit and Staying Connected

Stay updated on events, ticketing, and visiting hours by visiting the official museum websites or following their social media channels. For interactive tours, real-time notifications, and digital guides, download the Audiala app.

Whether you’re coming for the engineering marvel of the MH-53 or to immerse yourself in Norfolk’s military legacy, planning ahead ensures a seamless, informative, and memorable experience.