LAUREL, Md. –
The Presidential Helicopters Program Office delivered a retired and refurbished VH-3D helicopter to the United States Secret Service (USSS) in June 2025, providing the agency with a modernized training aircraft at the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC) in Laurel, Maryland.
Industry and contract partners supported the seamless transfer, completing top-shelf inspection, maintenance, demilitarization installation and white-glove refurbishment to deliver the aircraft in quintessential showroom condition with all tactical features required for current presidential and vice presidential protection training.
The aircraft, bureau number 159351 (BUNO 351), will be used for threat reaction and other tactical procedural training, giving agents a safe, accurate platform that reflects the layout and skills they need for their important protective missions.
BUNO 351’s journey began in 2022, when the USSS and Marine Corps began discussing upgrades to the agency’s aging training asset. Earlier in 2025, the program office’s maintenance department completed initial demilitarization at the Presidential Helicopter Support Facility before the aircraft underwent weeks of refurbishment and installation of USS-requested ground training features. It replaces an unserviceable, retired, decades-old training aircraft previously used at JJRTC.
The new aircraft also offers a proper seating configuration aligned with the VH-92A Patriot helicopter, the model currently flown by Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX) 1 in support of the presidential lift mission.
“Our teams have collaborated diligently to make this transfer possible,” said Col. Erica Mantz, program manager. “This effort to deliver BUNO 351 has greatly strengthened our partnership with the U.S. Secret Service and contract support team.”
The previous training helicopter, manufactured in 1963 and used by countless special agents and uniformed division officers to practice protective movements, has since been transported to Arizona for shredding and recycling.
“Not only is VH-3D BUNO 351 a significant improvement for our training requirements, [but] our visitors to JJRTC have the opportunity to view a Marine One on tours of the training facility,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Troy Sarria. “The new helicopter draws even more attention as an officially retired and demilitarized VH-3D—once flying presidents and vice presidents.”
The program office’s logistics and sustainment teams oversaw the full demilitarization and transfer process, ensuring proper accounting for all government inventory and a seamless handoff to the USSS.
“We are grateful for the helicopter’s capability and awed by the quality of the final product,” Sarria said.
During the January dedication ceremony officially inducting the retired VH-3D as the USSS training asset, Mantz reflected on the aircraft’s legacy. “This aircraft served nearly 50 years, supporting nine U.S. presidents throughout its distinguished history. Now, 351 will continue to serve our great nation in a different, but equally important, capacity.”
The retired VH-3D now sits just feet away from “Air Force One Half,” a partial mockup used for training at JJRTC. This placement is essential. Together, these two training assets create scenarios that mimic real-life events and lead to more effective and realistic training for protective operations.
BUNO 351 served HMX-1 shy of 50 years before reaching its end of service life. The aircraft entered service in July 1975 and was decommissioned in October 2024 after supporting presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
The program office provides safe, ready, high-performing and affordable aircraft, capabilities and support to HMX-1.
From the Presidential Helicopters Program Office. 