Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957. - Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957.

Service members and civilians attended a sunset ceremony honoring the CH-46E Sea Knight at the Pacific Aviation Museum aboard Ford Island, Nov. 6, 2014. The Marine Corps will finish phasing out the Sea Knight by next year. The aircraft at the ceremony is now part of the museum’s aircraft collection. - Service members and civilians attended a sunset ceremony honoring the CH-46E Sea Knight at the Pacific Aviation Museum aboard Ford Island, Nov. 6, 2014. The Marine Corps will finish phasing out the Sea Knight by next year. The aircraft at the ceremony is now part of the museum’s aircraft collection.

John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released) - John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released)