Purple Foxes:

  We have been invited to attend the reception at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Friday July 31, 2015 and to witness the last flight of USMC CH-46 153369 on August 1, 2015 when it is flown and presented to the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport.

  The “Phrog” has a storied history from Vietnam (HMM 364) and beyond with many of us having flown 153369. She is still flying with a Purple Fox designation (PF … previously YK) and will ultimately rest at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. The Quantico move is some years away and she will not fly when moved to that location.

  HMX-1 will fly an Osprey in and have it in place before the '46 arrives. The '46 will land next to its "replacement". After the ceremony they hope to have an exclusive opportunity approved to board 153369 for one last time …. Sit in the cockpit, crew chief's seat, smell the JP & Hydraulic Fluid, or whatever floats your boat.

This is a HQMC event so feel free to spread the word to others who have flown the “Phrog.”

  Please acknowledge your interest in participating with answers to the below questions to: george@gitcho.com

1. Will you attend the reception on 7/31/15?
2. Will you attend the fly-in on 8/1/15?
3. How many people in your party?

  Larry Britton has blocked 30 rooms for us at the Hampton Inn Dumfries, Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn for 30 July thru 1 Aug (2 Aug checkout). All the rooms are doubles. The rooms will be blocked until 31 June 15.

 The Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico ($90 Purple Fox Rate+ Tax) has set up a website (below) where you can register.

• The rooms have been reserved for 30 July - 2 Aug., 2015.
• The special rate is available until 1 July, 2015, or until the block of rooms is sold-out.

 Comfort Inn Near Quantico Main Gate North
 16931 Old Stage Road
 Dumfries, VA 22025
 703-445-8070
 $90.00 Purple Fox Rate +Tax

 Holiday Inn Dumfries - Quantico Center
 3901 Fettler Park Drive,
 Dumfries, VA 22025
 703-441-9001
 $99.00 Purple Fox Rate + Tax

 Please excuse any duplicate emails! We will keep you informed as the “Phrog Farewell” plans progress!

 Semper Fi…..

 George N. Gitcho>
 george@gitcho.com