Marines from Training Air Wing 5’s “Eightballers” of Helicopter Squadron (HT) 8 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida, honored fallen U.S. Marine Corps aviators during the Memorial Placement Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola, May 17.

Hosted by the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola, the ceremony marked the unveiling of 158 newly inscribed granite memorial bricks commemorating the lives of 311 Marines and other service members, including 210 heroes who have lost their lives since 9/11.  

HT-18 members landed a TH-57 Ranger trainer helicopter at the park prior to the event as part of a static display for the ceremony, which also included AH-1W SuperCobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters from the “Red Dogs” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773. Two KC-130J cargo aircraft from the “Rangers” of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 also conducted a flyby in support. 

The ceremony took place at the Marine Aviation Memorial Bell Tower, which honors those who have served in Marine aviation for the past 100 years. Marine Maj. Kyleigh Cullen flew the TH-57 to the park for the event.

“It’s a great honor to participate in the Marine Corps Aviation Memorial Placement Ceremony,” Cullen said. “The Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen of Training Air Wing 5 are proud to honor our brothers and sisters in arms and support the families of those we have lost.”

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