The September 11 attacks on the U.S. led to widespread agreement that the Marine One helicopter fleet needed significant upgrades to its communication , transportation , and security systems . But these could not be made due to the weight already added to the aircraft . In 2002 , it was proposed to replace the current helicopters . The U.S. Department of Defense issued a request for proposals ( RFP ) for the VXX helicopter on 18 December 2003 for the supply of 23 helicopters to replace the eleven VH-3Ds and eight VH-60Ns of USMC HMX-1 squadron . In November 2002 , the White House asked the Secretary of Defense to accelerate the development of the new aircraft , and DOD said it would have a new aircraft ready by the end of 2008 . To do so , DOD asked bidders to begin development and production at the same time
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
VXX