Sikorsky produced two VH-53D as Executive Support transports for HMX-1. They can be configured to transport personnel or cargo. As such, they were not intended to carry the President, but rather to carry the press and other VIPs that travel with the President. Supplemented, but not replaced, by two CH-53Es after 9/11.
Sikorsky painted two CH-53D as white top Executive Support transports for HMX-1 in addition to two other CH-53Ds in overall field green. Tests were conducted on the White House lawn, but the rotor wash was deemed too great for the rose bushes. The Marine Corps did not order the VH-53D, though heavily marketed by Sikorsky. The four CH-53Ds can be configured to transport personnel or cargo. Special interior seat covers were created as well as a rear ramp mat for VIP support flights. As such, they were not intended to carry the President, but rather to carry the press and other VIPs that travel with the President. Supplemented, but not replaced, by three CH-53Es after 9/11.
