WHatever this helo was for it was most definitely NOT Marine One. It may have had secret service or other personnel in it. Single pilot, way too small a craft, and while I know that Marine One is whatever the Pres flies in this would not have been carrrying any Pres.
But the rest of your post was interesting.
“was most definitely NOT Marine One”
What I love about FR is that knowledge base here.
You know, I am ignorant on aircraft. I just always assumed that the President flies in Marine One when in a helicopter.
You say that the two identical choppers were something else.
Please take a look at the photo at the top of the page. What is that craft?
This photo was from the practice landing day that occurred two days before the landing. I know because the motorcade is not lined up in the photo. But, I am sure it was the same (one of two) chopper the Prez was in.