Stamp To Hit Circulation In June

It surely came as a blow to Sikorsky's collective ego when, after decades of faithful service toting around the commander in chief, the Navy selected Lockheed Martin as the new supplier for Marine One, the presidential helicopter, for 2009.

But perhaps the sting was eased somewhat when the Postal Service revealed its two new stamps recently that featured the presidential aircraft -- Marine One and Air Force One -- with Sikorsky's VH-3D.

Sikorsky spokesman Paul Jackson said it is "honored" by the new $16.25 Express Mail stamp and it didn't really surprise him the Postal Service chose Sikorsky for the stamp which enters circulation next month.

"This is the one with the track record," Jackson said.

Lockheed spokesman Greg Caires said Sikorsky is "deserving of commemoration on a stamp," given its lengthy service. "Hopefully, one day, when they update the stamps, they'll honor the new Marine One," he said.

Postal Service Executive Director of Stamp Services David Failor insists the companies had no say over the design of the stamp which is based on a painting by Oregon artist William S. Phillips, according to the Hartford (CT) Courant.

"Marine One, as it exists today -- this is what is being depicted today," Failor said.

"We're always looking for images that kind of make you think about speed and reliability," he said.

FMI: www.usps.com