June 28, 2003

Helicopters draw visitors at EHT hotel
By JERROLD STAAS HAUGHT For The Press, (609) 569-7483

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - Two Marine helicopters circling Route 40 Friday morning drew curious looks from motorists and hotel guests.

Nancy Bell and her two sons, Troy and Adam, all of Key Port, were even more confused when the giant CH53-E Super Stallion helicopter and its smaller, deadlier escort, the AH-1W Cobra, started to descend on the Clarion hotel.

"I thought something was wrong with (the aircraft's) propeller and it was looking for the closest place to land," said Adam, 7.

There was nothing wrong with either aircraft.

The two helicopters and a couple of armored personnel carriers are in town to promote a golf tournament sponsored by the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.

Foundation Co-Chairman Michael DiFrancesco is the chief operating officer for the company that owns the Clarion hotel. He also is a former U.S. Marine.

He said the helicopters are meant to grab attention.

The 100-foot-long AH53-E is a combat-ready aircraft that recently served in Kosovo, the Horn of Africa and Iraq. The helicopter is attached to the HMH-772 reserve unit stationed in Willow Grove, Pa.

The Cobra is part of the HMLA-775 reserve unit in Johnstown, Pa. Its primary mission is to provide support to troops, clear out landing zones and escort bigger, more vulnerable aircraft.

Both helicopters will be on display at the hotel until Monday morning.


http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/n...OPTER_J27.html


Sempers,

Roger