PRESS RELEASE
The iconic sound of a Vietnam-era UH-1H Huey helicopter will fill the skies over Portage and Kalamazoo this weekend as a piece of living history returns to the air. On Saturday and Sunday, July 12–13, the restored combat veteran helicopter will be on public display and offering flight experiences at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, in partnership with the Michigan Flight Museum’s Air Adventures program.
Visitors are invited to book a ride aboard this legendary aircraft, which saw active service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets and ride details can be found at airzoo.org/visiting-aircraft. In addition to flights, the public is welcome to visit the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center at 1301 Milham Ave. in Portage to greet the crew and view the aircraft up close while it is stationed on-site.
About the Aircraft: UH-1H Huey “Greyhound 66-01126”
Tail number 66-01126 was built in 1967 and promptly deployed to Vietnam, where it served with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) until 1971. Known by the call sign “Greyhound,” the helicopter flew critical missions transporting troops and evacuating the wounded from combat zones. The 240th AHC operated in three specialized divisions: “Mad Dogs” (gunships), “Greyhounds” (transport), and “Kennel Keepers” (maintenance support). Backed by official sponsorship from the Greyhound Bus Company, the unit was known for its tight-knit esprit de corps and creative identity.
Following its service in Vietnam, the helicopter continued flying with various U.S. Army and National Guard units before being retired from military use. Eventually acquired by a private owner, the aircraft was restored to its original Vietnam-era configuration and markings by Northwest Helicopters, a company renowned for UH-1 restorations. The Michigan Flight Museum acquired the Huey in 2019, and since 2020 it has flown as part of the museum’s Air Adventures program, giving the public a chance to connect with history in an unforgettable way.
This weekend’s visit to the Air Zoo offers a unique opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the legacy of one of the most recognized helicopters in the world—a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who served. Tickets and ride details can be found at airzoo.org/visiting-aircraft.
