June 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The March Field Air Museum invites you to celebrate the return of the historic Presidential Helicopter, which is arriving from the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum for an extensive, multi-year restoration.
Monday, June 29, 2026
Reception begins at 1 p.m. The Nixon Presidential Helicopter is expected to arrive at approximately 1 p.m.
22550 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA.
The welcome reception is free and open to the public.
March Field Air Museum will be closed, except during designated reception hours.
The Sikorsky VH-3A “Sea King” served as a flying Oval Office for Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford from 1961 to 1976. Come be a part of its return to March Field Air Museum where a complete restoration will occur before it returns as the centerpiece to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum’s new Education Center.
Featuring Remarks From
RUDY LERMA
Former Restoration Manager, March Field Air Museum
(currently a volunteer on the restoration team)
JOE LOPEZ
Chief Operating Officer, Richard Nixon Foundation
JAMIL DADA
President, March Field Air Museum Foundation
President Nixon flew aboard this helicopter on 181 missions, including to the Giza Pyramids in Egypt and into Vatican Square, where it was blessed by Pope Paul VI. This helicopter flew under the call sign Marine One when operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, and Army One when operated by the U.S. Army. The helicopter was retired from presidential service in 1976 and subsequently used for Secret Service training.
Restored originally at the March Field Air Museum, the Presidential Helicopter has served as a prominent exhibit at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum for the past 20 years. The aircraft will undergo a meticulous secondary restoration through 2028. We invite the public to welcome back and observe the revitalization of this crucial American artifact.