The History and Legacy of the Boeing-Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight 'Knightriders' Hawaiian Shirt Helicopter
The Boeing-Vertol CH-46E Sea Knight BuNo 156471, nicknamed "Knightriders," was a helicopter that served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) from 1966 to 2015. This particular aircraft was well-known for its unique Hawaiian shirt design, which earned it a special place in Marine Corps history and culture.
The Knightriders helicopter was originally delivered to the USMC on May 10, 1967, and served in various combat operations, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. However, it wasn't until the early 1990s that the Knightriders became famous for its distinctive Hawaiian shirt design.
In 1991, the helicopter underwent routine maintenance at the Fleet Readiness Center West in California. During the maintenance, the Knightriders received a new coat of paint, which included a tropical blue color on the lower half of the aircraft. However, the blue paint job was not up to standard, and the USMC decided to strip the paint and redo it.
When the helicopter arrived at the paint shop for the second time, the crew chief, Sergeant Jim Ewing, decided to add a personal touch to the design. Ewing was a fan of Hawaiian shirts and thought it would be fun to incorporate a similar design on the helicopter. He hand-painted a colorful Hawaiian shirt pattern on the helicopter's tail, with hibiscus flowers, palm trees, and a surfing scene.
The design quickly caught on, and the Knightriders became a beloved symbol of the Marine Corps. The helicopter was often used for special missions and events, such as transporting the USMC Band to perform at the Super Bowl in 1992.
The Knightriders helicopter was retired in 2015, after almost 50 years of service. It was the last CH-46E to be taken out of service by the USMC. The helicopter is now on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, where visitors can see the iconic Hawaiian shirt design up close.
The Knightriders helicopter and its Hawaiian shirt design have become a beloved part of Marine Corps history and culture. The helicopter and its crew served with distinction for many years, and the Hawaiian shirt design was a fun and lighthearted way to add personality and character to the aircraft. The Knightriders will always be remembered as a unique and beloved part of the Marine Corps' rich history.
