Memories, Connections and a Piece of Aviation History

At 4 p.m., the inauguration ceremony of the CH-53 was officially opened with a musical performance by the museum sextet, conducted by Museum Director Dieter Bals. Numerous invited guests, former colleagues and companions had gathered to celebrate this special occasion together.

Major General (Ret.) Dipl.-Ing. (Univ.) Reinhard Wolski welcomed the guests and extended a warm welcome to everyone present. He then handed over to Dr. Klaus Przemeck, President of the Hubschrauberzentrum e. V. In his address, Dr. Przemeck first expressed his thanks to everyone who had made the installation of the CH-53 possible and supported the project over the past months and years.

It quickly became clear that for many of those present, the CH-53 bearing the registration 84+11 is far more than just another helicopter. The aircraft, which was given a special black, red and gold livery to mark its 40th anniversary, is associated with personal experiences, long-standing companions and countless memories.

Museum Director Dieter Bals has a particularly special connection to the CH-53. As an airborne technical officer, he was responsible for this very aircraft for 22 years. Among the other guests were also numerous former crew members, soldiers and companions who share their own stories and memories connected to 84+11.

Dr. Przemeck also expressed his thanks to the Mayor of the City of Bückeburg, Axel Wohlgemuth, as well as to the building authority and other institutions involved. Their support and the necessary permits made it possible not only to install the CH-53, but also to carry out the spectacular transportation of the aircraft through the centre of Bückeburg.

The event became particularly moving during the address by Senior Master Sergeant Dieter Salwik. He remembered the late Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Thomas Mallwitz, former Chairman of the Hubschrauberzentrum e. V., and spoke about their shared visits and conversations. During their lifetime, the two had already discussed the idea of one day bringing the CH-53 to the Helicopter Museum. Seeing that idea become reality gave his memories a very special personal significance.

The official speeches concluded with an address by Colonel Nikolai, Commander of the International Helicopter Training Centre (IHTC). At the very beginning of his speech, he used a quote from the well-known children's book "Karlsson-on-the-Roof" to create an unusual yet fitting connection to the CH-53. He focused on the aircraft's special significance and its ability to bring people together.

The CH-53 represents not only a long chapter in the history of the German Armed Forces, but also continues to connect people who worked with it, flew it or were involved with it in other ways.

With concluding remarks by Chairman Major General (Ret.) Dipl.-Ing. (Univ.) Reinhard Wolski, the official part of the ceremony came to an end. He wished all guests a pleasant and sociable evening. Afterwards, the museum sextet provided the musical accompaniment while the buffet and refreshments were opened.

In a relaxed atmosphere, the guests took the opportunity to meet and exchange stories, share personal experiences and reminisce about their time with the CH-53. The event therefore became more than just a tribute to a remarkable aircraft. It was also an evening centred around the people who made the installation possible and those who have their own very personal stories connected to 84+11.