U.S. Marine Squadrons
Part 1 of 6 – HMX – HMT – MALS
Part 2 of 6 – HMM
Part 3 of 6 – HMH
Part 4 of 6 – HMR – HML – HMLA – HMLAT – HMMT
Part 5 of 6 – VMM – HX / MX / VMX
Part 6 of 6 – VMMT – VMAT – VMFAT – VMGR – VMR – HMA / VMO – VMU
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons
“Heavy helicopter squadrons were first formed in 1966 when the Marine Corps began flying the heavy lift CH-53 Sea Stallion during the Vietnam War.[6] Their primary role is moving cargo and equipment with the secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. Most of the squadrons have transitioned to the larger and more powerful CH-53E Super Stallion; however, three squadrons of the original Sea Stallions still remain.[7] The CH-53Es are the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory today.[8] Due to a reorganization in Marine aviation, HMH-366 was reactivated in 2008[9] at MCAS Cherry Point” (Ref. [10] of List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons – Wikipedia & Navy web site).
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Navy – Home / Facebook
Public History Web Site
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HMH-361 / HMH-361
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HMH-362 / HMH-362
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HMH/VMM-363
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HMH-361
Flying Tigers
"Tweed's Tigers"; "Ross's Rice Runners"; "Andy's Orphans";
Tail Code:
HN 1952-56 YN 1956-
Aircraft:
OY-1; HRS (CH-19E); HUS (UH-34D);
CH-53A/D/E
MAG-16, 3rd MAW
MCAS Miramar, CA
Comm. 25 Feb. 1952 –
Present
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HMH-362
Ugly Angels
"Dunn's Derelicts"; "Archie's Angels";
Tail Code:
HL (1952-56); YL 1956
Aircraft:
HRS-1,2,3 (CH-19E);
OY-1; HUS-1 (UH-34D); CH-53A/D
MAG-24, 1st MAW
MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI
Comm. 30 April 1952 –
Present
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Referee to VMM-363
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HMH-366 / HMH-366
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HMH-461 / HMH-461
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HMH-462 / HMH-462
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HMH-366
Hammerheads
Tail Code:
HH 1994-2000; 2008
Aircraft:
CH-53D; CH-53E
MAG-29, 2nd MAW
MCAS Cherry Point, NC
Comm. 30 Sep. 2008 – Present
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HMH-461
Iron Horse
"Red Raiders" (ca.1950); "Sea Stallions"
Tail Code: PA 1946-48; LP 1948-50; CJ 1958-
Aircraft: F4U; HR2S (CH-37C); CH-53A/D/E
MAG-26, 2nd MAW
MCAS New River, NC
Comm. 15 Mar. 1944 – Present
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HMH-462
Heavy Haulers
Tail Code: YF 1958
Aircraft: FG-1/F4U-1/F3A-1; HR2S (CH-37C); CH-53A/D/E
MAG-16, 3rd MAW
MCAS Miramar, CA
Comm. 15 Apr. 1944 – Present
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HMH-463 / HMH-463
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HMH-464 / HMH-464
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HMH-465 / HMH-465
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VMB-463VMTB-463/ VMTB-463/MR(M)/
HMH-463
VMB-463VMTB-463/ VMTB-463/MR(M)/
HMH-463
Pegasus
"Heavy Haulers"; Beeler's Bombers"; Pineapples"
Tail Code:
YH 1958-59; 1966
Aircraft:
PBJ-1 (B-25J); TBM-3; HR2S-1 (CH-37C);
CH-53A/D/E
CH-53E "Super Stallion"
MAG-24, 1st MAW
MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI
Comm. 20 July 1944 –
Present
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HMH-464
Condors
"Spanish Flies" (WW2)
Tail Code: EN 1981
Aircraft:
SB2C; TBM; CH-53E
MAG-26, 2nd MAW
MCAS New River, NC
Comm. 5 Apr. 1944 –
Present
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HMH-465
Warhorse
Tail Code: YJ 1981-
Aircraft: CH-53E
MAG-16, 3rd MAW
MCAS Miramar, CA
Comm. 1 Dec. 1981 –
Present
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HMH-466 / HMH-466
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HMH-772 / HMH-772
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HMH-772, Det. A
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HMH-466
Wolfpack
Tail Code: YK 1984-
Aircraft: CH-53E
MAG-16, 3rd MAW
MCAS Miramar, CA
Comm. 30 Nov. 1984 –
Present
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HMR/HMH-772
HMR/HMH-772
Hustler
Nicknames:
"Heavy Haulers";
"Black Stallions"
Tail code:
7W 1958-70*;
5N 1970-72*;
MT 1972-
* Station Code: 7T - Willow Grove, PA; 5N - Lakehurst, NJ
Aircraft:
HUP (UH-25); UH-34D; RH-53D; CH-53E
MAG-49, 4th MAW
Joint Base McGuire/Dix
Comm. 15 Apr. 1958 –
Present
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HMH-772, Det. A
Road Hogs
Tail Code: MS 1980-93 (HMH-769 ID Code)
Aircraft: RH-53D
MAG-50
Reorganized and one large squadron was formed. HMH-769 was deactivated and redesignated HMH-772 Det A. Activated during the Gulf War (1990-91) and served with MAG-26.
Deactivated 1 Apr. 1993
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HMH-772, Det. B
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HMR/HMM/HMH-777
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HMH-769 / HMH-769
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HMH-772, Det. B
Flying Armadillos
Tail Code: QM 1980-93 (HMH-777 ID Code)
Aircraft: CH-53A/D
Activated 1 June 1980 by redesignation of
HMH-769
Deactivated 1 Apr. 1993 - resumed HMH-769 designation.
Willow Grove, PA.
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HMR/HMM/HMH-777
Flying Armadillos
Tail Code:
7D 1959-68*; 5D 1968-72*; QM 1972-80; * Station Code: 7D/5D Dallas, TX
Aircraft:
HTL; HUS (UH-34D);
CH-53A/D
Deactivated 1980
Activated 15 Apr. 1959
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HMH-769 / HMH-769
Titan
15 April 1958
"Heavy Haulers";
"Road Hogs"
Tail Code:
7F 1958-68*; 5F 1968-72; MS 1972-2008**
*Station Code: 7F - Oakland/Alameda, CA
**Retained while
HMH-772 Det. A
Aircraft:
HSS (SH-34);
HUP (UH-25); UH-34D; CH-53A/D/E; RH-53D
Edwards Air Force Base, California
Comm. 15 Apr. 1958 – 2 Aug. 2008
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Flying Tigers", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW). HMH-362 will deactivate (FY 2013).
http://www.popasmoke.com/notam2/showthread.php?8406-8th-Marine-and-USMC-reductions
“Activated 25 February 1952 at Santa Ana, California, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 361, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Assigned during March 1952 to Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during June 1952 to Marine Helicopter Transport Group 36, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during January 1953 to Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Relocated during May 1953 to Kaneohe Bay, Territory of Hawaii, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 13, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. In 1953, HMR-361 supported the 2d Marine Provisional Atomic Exercise Brigade during exercise Desert Rock V. HMM-361 deployed to the Caribbean during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. HMM-361 (and later HMH-361) deployed to Vietnam in 1965 for the first of two combat tours. Relocated during February - March 1955 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during September 1955 to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Redesignated 31 December 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 361. Redesignated 1 February 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361. Participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, October - December 1962. Deployed during September - October 1963 to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Redeployed during February 1964 to Futenma, Okinawa. Embarked on board the USS Valley Forge, April - July 1964. Relocated during September 1964 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Deployed during May - August 1965 to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Participated in the war in Vietnam, August 1965 - May 1968, operating from
Da Nang
Marble Mountain
Ky Ha
Dong Ha
USS Iwo Jima
Deactivated (administrative) 18 May 1968. Reactivated 3 June 1968 at New River, North Carolina, as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic.
Deployed during July - August 1969 to Hue/Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Particpated in the war in Vietnam, August 1969 - January 1970, operating from:
Hue/Phu Bai
Marble Mountain
Relocated during January - February 1970 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 56, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during July 1971 to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter), Santa Ana, California redesignated 1 December 1978 as Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter), Tustin, California. Participated in the Unit Deployment Program between Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing during the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter), Tustin, California redesignated 1 June 1985 as Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California. Participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, August 1990 - April 1991. Elements participated in Operation United Shield, Somalia, January - March 1995. Elements participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, 2000-2001” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/361.html ).
Awards
· PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER - Vietnam - 1965 – 1967
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with one bronze star - 1986 - 1987 & 1989 – 1990
· JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER - Somalia - 1995
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION with 2 bronze stars - Vietnam - 1963 – 1965 & 1965 - 1967 - Southwest Asia - 1990 – 1991
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 3 bronze stars
· ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER - Cuba - 1962
· VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with one silver and four bronze stars
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with three bronze stars
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
· VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY with PALM STREAMER
· VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER
HMR-361 HMR(L)-361
 
HMH-361
  
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of ten CH-53D Sea Stallion assault support helicopters and 220 Marines and Sailors. The squadron, known as the "Ugly Angels", was activated on April 30, 1952 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron and is currently based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii falling under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) within III MEF. HMH-362 was scheduled to go into cadre status in 2013 and reactivate in 2018 with the CH-53K.
http://www.popasmoke.com/notam2/showthread.php?8406-8th-Marine-and-USMC-reductions
“Activated 30 April 1952 at Santa Ana, California, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 362 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during June 1952 to Marine Aircraft Group 36, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during January 1953 to Marine Aircraft Group 16, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during July 1953 to Marine Aircraft Group 36, Air, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Reassigned during September 1955 to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Redesignated 31 December 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 362. Deployed during May 1959 to Yokosuka, Japan, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Redeployed during May 1960 to Futenma, Okinawa. Relocated during July 1960 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. Deployed during July 1961 to Futenma, Okinawa, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Redesignated 1 February 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362. HMM-362 deployed during April 1962 to the Republic of Vietnam, becoming the first Marine Helicopter squadron to serve in Vietnam (Operation "Shufly"), operating from Soc Trang. Participated in the war in Vietnam, April - July 1962, September 1965 - August 1969, operating from:
Soc Trang
Ky Ha
Hue/Phu Bai
Marble Mountain
Over a four year period, the squadron operated from Hue/Phu Bai, Ky Ha, and Marble Mountain, as well as at sea with the Special Landing Force. August 1969 saw the end of combat operations for HMM-362. The "Ugly Angels" had taken the first UH-34Ds to Vietnam and were the last squadron to fly them in combat. The squadron colors were shifted to New River, NC, and the squadron was redesignated HMH-362 Relocated during August 1969 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. Relocated during August 1969 to New River, North Carolina. Redesignated 21 August 1969 as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. Participated in numerous training exercises throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, January - March 1991 Relocated during June 1995 to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Support Element, Kaneohe Over the next two decades HMH-362 took part in numerous exercises and elements deployed with various Marine Expeditionary Units. The squadron was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1991 and conducted combat flights in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. HMH-362 relocated to Kaneohe, Hawaii during 1995 as part of the Marine Corps' consolidation of CH-53D squadrons. In 2002 HMH-362 became the first squadron from MAG-24 to participate in the Unit Deployment Program, deploying to Iwakuni, Japan, in support of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. More recently, HMH-362 has participated in combat operations in Iraq (2007, 2009), and Afghanistan (2009, 2010)” (ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/362.html ).
Awards
· PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star - Vietnam - 1965 – 1967
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 silver and 1 bronze star Vietnam - 1962; 1965 - 1966; 1968 & 1969 - Southwest Asia - 1990 – 1991
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 silver star and 1 bronze star - Vietnam - 1966 - 1967; 1968 & 1969; 1987 - 1988; 1993; 1994 - 1995 & 1996 -1998
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 3 bronze stars
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
· IRAQ CAMPAIGN SERVICE streamer with 2 bronze stars
· AFGHANISTAN SERVICE streamer with 2 bronze stars.
· VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with 2 silver and 1 bronze stars
· VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY with PALM STREAMER
HMR-362 HMR(L)-362 HMM-362
   
HMH-362
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“Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 (HMH-366) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion heavy transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Hammerheads", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron’s tail code is “HH.[2]”
The "Hammerheads" were activated 10 September 1994 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 366 (HMH-366). HMH-366 deactivated 1 October 2000. They were assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Support Element Kaneohe and operated the CH-53D. Activated 10 September 1994 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 366 (HMH-366). The squadron nickname and insignia was taken from the hammerhead sharks that inhabit the area. Deactivated 1 October 2000. HMH-366 was reactivated 30 September 2008 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, and is assigned to MAG-29. The squadron will retain the "Hammerhead" nickname, and will operate the CH-53E "Super Stallion." At their activation the squadron had 130 Marines and 8 aircraft on-hand which will grow to more than 300 Marines and 16 aircraft in 2009” (Ref. "Helicopter units to be activated in October at Cherry Point;" http://hma1369.tripod.com/366.html; and "New squadron takes flight at Cherry Point". www.enctoday.com).
Awards
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER
HMH-366
2008
  
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as "Ironhorse", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 began life during WW2 as a fighter squadron. Activated 15 March 1944 at El Centro, CA, as MARINE FIGHTING SQUADRON 461 (VMF-461).After absorbing the aircraft and personnel of VMF-462 and VMF-472 in October 1944, the squadron became a replacement-training squadron. After the end of the war, VMF-461 relocated to Cherry Point, NC and joined MAG-11 prior to deactivating in February 1950. On 12 January 1957 the squadron was reactivated at New River, NC, as MARINE HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SQUADRON (MEDIUM) 461 (HMR(M)-461) and became the first HR2S/CH-37C squadron in the Marine Corps. Redesignated 1 February 1962 as MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 461 (HMH-461). In 1965 the squadron made the only full squadron deployment of the CH-37. HMH-461 transitioned to the new CH-53A in 1966. The squadron now operates the CH-53E at MCAS New River, North Carolina. During the 1990s HMH-461 found itself supporting Marine Corps operations throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. The squadron was deployed to SW Asia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm Storm, 1990-91 and continues to support the East Coast Expeditionary Units. Most recently, HMH-461 has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Participated in numerous deployments and operations during the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. HMH-461 participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003.
Awards
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
· WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
· ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with three bronze stars
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDTIONARY STREAMER
HMH-461
"Disco Pony"
   
HMR(M)-461
VMF-461
 
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion heavy transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Heavy Haulers", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
“HMH-462 traces its history back to VMF-462, a WW2 fighter squadron, which was deactivated shortly after the war's end. Activated 15 September 1944 at El Centro, California, as Marine Fighting Squadron 462, and assigned to Marine Base Defense Air Group 43, Marine Fleet Air West Coast. Relocated during October 1944 to El Toro, California and reassigned to Marine Base Defense Air Group 46. Deactivated 10 September 1945. In 1957 or by 1 September 1958, the squadron was reactivated at Santa Ana, California, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Medium) 462 (HMR(M)-462); equipped with the HR2S, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. HMR(M)-462 redesignated 1 February 1962 as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and was reassigned during August 1965 to Marine Wing Service Group 37. Deployed during August 1968 to Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Participated in the war in Vietnam, August 1968 - October 1969, operating from Hue/Phu Bai. Redeployed during October 1969 to Futenma, Okinawa and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 15, 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Reassigned during November 1969 to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. HMH-462 participated in the Southeast Asia evacuations in support of Marine Aircraft Group 36, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, January - June 1975. Participated in various training exercises throughout the 1970s. HMH-462 operated CH-53A’s during its service in Vietnam (1968-69, 1975). HMH-462 relocated to Tustin, California and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. (rd A HMH-462 currently operates the CH-53E "Super Stallion, and is based at MCAS Miramar, CA, with MAG-16, 3rd MAW.. HMH-462 participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, August 1990 - April 1991. HMH-462 relocated to Miramar, California. HMH-462 participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Mar-Apr 2003)” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/462.html ).
Awards
· PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER IRAQ Mar - Apr 2003
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star - Southeast Asia Evacuations - 1975 & Southwest Asia - 1990 – 1991
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 2 bronze stars Vietnam - 1968; 1975; 1992 - 1994 & 1996 - 1998
· AMERICAN CAMPAIGN STREAMER
· WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
· VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with four bronze stars
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with two bronze stars
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
· VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY with PALM STREAMER
· VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER
VMF-462 HMR(M)-462 HMH-462 WW 2
   
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, also known as "Pegasus", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW).
“HMH-463 was first activated 20 July 1944 at Cherry Point, North Carolina as Marine Bombing Squadron 463 (VMB-463), a PBJ squadron, and based at Cherry Point, NC. and assigned to Marine Air Group-62, 9th Marine Air Wing. Reassigned during November 1944 to Marine Air Group 34. Reassigned during February 1945 to Marine Operational Training Group 81. Deactivated 28 Feb 1945. The squadron was deactivated in February 1945. Five months later, 15 July 1945 the squadron was reactivated at Santa Barbara, California, as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 463 (VMTB-463) and assigned to Marine Air Group 51. VMTB-463 deactivated 20 March 1946. VMTB-463 reactivated 1 September 1958 at Santa Ana, California as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Medium) 463 (HMR(M)-463) and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.. The squadron was planned to be the third "medium" lift squadron in the Marine Corps and was to have been equipped with the Sikorsky HR2S-1 "Deuce". A cutback in orders for the giant helicopter resulted in the deactivation of the squadron 30 June 1959. HMH-463 was reactivated 1 March 1966 at Santa Ana, California as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 and assigned to Marine Wing Service Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. While sister-squadrons HMH-461 and HMH-462 were still operating the CH-37C (new designation for HR2S-1), HMH-463 was equipped with the new CH-53A "Sea Stallion". A four-plane detachment was sent to Vietnam in December 1966, with the main body of the squadron deployed during May 1967 to Marble Mountain, Vietnam assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. HMH-463 relocated during May 1971 to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Brigade.MH-463 served in Vietnam until until May 1971, when it relocated to Kaneohe Bay, HI, and joined MAG-24. During February-July 1973, HMH-463 took part in Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines in the Haiphong/Hon Gai Area of North Vietnam, February - July1973. During the period March-May 1975, the squadron was deployed to South-East Asia again, this time participating in the evacuation operations in Cambodia (Eagle Pull) and Saigon, RVN (Frequent Wind), March - May 1975. After returning to Hawaii, the squadron took part in numerous exercises throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. HMH-463 participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, August 1990 - March 1991; Operation Garden Isle (Hurricane Iniki Relief) on Island of Kauai in September 1992 and Task Force - Full Accounting in Cambodia from September to Nov 1993 & April to May 1995. During 2005, HMH-463 became the first CH-53D squadron from MAG-24 to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Theater of Operations during 2005-2006. During 2011, HMH-463 began transitioning to the CH-53E "Super Stallion” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/463.html ).
Awards
· PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER - Vietnam - 1967
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 3 bronze stars - Vietnam - 1968 - 1969; 1970 - 1971 & 1975 - Southwest Asia - 1990 – 1991
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 silver and 2 bronze stars - Vietnam - 1967; 1969; 1970; 1971; 1971; 1973; 1975; 1983 - 1986 & 1996; 1998
· WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
· ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
· VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with two silver and one bronze star
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE S
· TREAMER with two bronze stars
· IRAQI CAMPAIGN STREAMERGLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE STREAMER
· VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY with PALM STREAMER
· VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER
VMB-463 VMTB-463 VMTB-463 HMR(M)-463 HMH-463
 
HMH-463
   
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Condors" and is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. They fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
“HMH-464 was originally activated during World War 2, 15 April 1944 at El Toro, California, as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 464 (VMB-464), and assigned to Marine Base Defense Air Group 41, Marine Fleet Air, West Coast and served as a training unit for dive-bomber and torpedo-bomber aircrews going to the Pacific. With the drawdown of Marine aviation units following the end of the war, the squadron was deactivated. Marine Base Defense Air Group 41 redesignated 10 November 1944 as Marine Aircraft Group 41. VMB-464 redesignated 1 June 1945 as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 464 (VMTB-464) and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 46, Marine Fleet Air, West Coast. VMTB-464 deactivated 10 March 1946. VMTB-464 was reactivated 1 March 1981 as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) at New River, North Carolina, as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; as one of the new CH-53E "Super Stallion" squadrons. During the next 10 years HMH-464 supported East Coast MEU deployments, as well as commitments at home. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, HMH-464 was deployed to Kuwait with MAG-26. Reactivated 1 March 1981 at New River, North Carolina, as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. Reassigned during February 1983 to Marine Aircraft Group 29. Elements participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, February - March 1991. More recently, HMH-464 has deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003, and has deployed detachments to Somalia in support of JTF Horn of Africa” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/464.html ).
Awards
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER - Southwest Asia - 1990 - 1991
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER - 1 June 1999 - 1 June 2000
· AMERICAN CAMPAIGN STREAMER
· WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 1 bronze star
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
VMB-464 VMTB-464 HMH-464
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 (HMH-465) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as "Warhorse", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
“Activated 1 December 1981 at Tustin, California, as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 (HMH-465), and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Since activating in 1981, HMH-465 has been home-based with MAG-16. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, September 1990 - March 1991. The "Warhorses" were based at Ras al Ghar, Saudi Arabia. The squadron lost two CH-53Es in accidents prior to the start of the ground war. In October 1991, the squadron left for Okinawa to begin the first WestPac Unit Deployment by a CH-53E squadron. Throughout the 1990s HMH-465 deployed detachments to 29 Palms Air-Ground Combat Center, MCAS Yuma, and the Mountain Warfare Training Center at Bridgeport, CA. The squadron also augmented the West Coast Marine Expeditionary Units' WestPac deployments. HMH-465 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and flew troop and cargo lifts in support Marine forces” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/465.html ).
Awards
· PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER - Iraq 2003
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with one bronze star - Southwest Asia - 1990 - 1991 & 2001
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 1 bronze star
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with two bronze stars
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
HMH-465
 
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Wolfpack", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
“HMH-466 was activated 30 November 1984 at Tustin, California, as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. and is the last of the West Coast CH-53E squadrons to enter service. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Southwest Asia, August 1990 - March 1991, the main body of HMH-466 served in Kuwait and Iraq with MAG-16, while a 4-plane detachment was deployed with 13th MEU/ARG Alpha. Particpated in Operations in Somalia, December 1992 - February 1993. HHMH-466 deployed to Kuwait and Iraq during 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Det HMH-466, attached to 11th MEU) in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. HMH-466, based at MCAS Miramar, supports I Marine Expeditionary Force and the three West Coast Marine Expeditionary Units” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/466.html ).
Awards
· JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER - Somalia - 1992 - 1993
· NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER - Southwest Asia - 1990 – 1991 & 2003
· MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER - 1984 - 1986
· NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 1 bronze star
· ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
· SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with three bronze stars
· GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
In the past 25 years, the Wolfpack has participated in fourteen Marine Expeditionary Units, Special Operations Capable [MEU (SOC)] Deployments and has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Phoenix Award for outstanding maintenance (1987), the Fleet Marine Force Pacific (FMFPAC) Annual Aviation Safety Award (1986), the Mike Yunck Award for best overall squadron in the Third Marine Aircraft Wing (3d MAW) (1988, 1999, 2010), Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) (1986), Navy and Marine Corps Unit Commendation (NUC) (1992, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) (2010), the Keith B. McCutcheon Award for Heavy Lift Squadron of the Year (1999, 2006, 2010), the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award (1999, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011)
HMH-466
 
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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMH-772) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron, known as "Hustler" or "the Hustlers", is based at McGuire AFB, New Jersey and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG-49) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). Helicopter Transport Squadron 772(HMR-772) was activated on April 15, 1958 at the Marine Air Reserve Training Command, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania as part of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The squadron was redesignated April 1, 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 772(HMM-772) and re-assigned in February 1965 to Marine Aircraft Group 43 under the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. During September 1970, the squadron moved from NAS Willow Grove, PA to NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. The Following year, 1971, HMH-772 transitioned to the more capable CH-53A Sea Stallion Helicopter. Re-designated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 on 1 September 1971, the squadron returned to NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49. In Janurary of 1986, the squadron was asked to support the SAR effort following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The squadron was mobilized during February 1991 and deployed to New River, North Carolina. Element in support of Operation Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, March - April 1991. The squadron aircrew flew fourteen CH-53A aircraft across the country to join the 3rd MAW and awaited further orders to Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa with the 1st MAW the squadron transitioned to the CH-53D aircraft. From Okinawa the squadron embarked aboard the USS Midway (CV-41) and provided support for Operation Fiery Vigil, which was the evacuation of personnel from Republic of the Philippines after the volcano Mount erupted. During this time, the squadron also provided support for Operation Sea Angle the humanitarian relief operations in Bangladesh, May 1991. For these actions HMH-772 was awarded another Meritorious Unit Commendation. Elements participated in support of Operation Fiery Vigil, Philippines, June 1991. Demobilized during October 1991 and returned to Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The Squadron returned to CONUS in November 1991, and was deactivated and reassigned back to the 4th MAW. After 9/11 HMH-772 was mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror and activated on January 27, 2002 and deployed to MCAS New River, where it was attached to HMM-263 and deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. Within two weeks of the activation the squadron relocated to MCAS New River, NC and was assigned to MAG-29 within the 2nd MAW. The squadron was given tasking to integrate with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE) HMM-263. At the completion of the workup cycle, HMH-772 had the distinction of being the first reserve squadron to receive the Special Operations Capable (SOC) designation. During the Gulf War, HMH-772 and its two detachments were mobilized and deployed to Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. While deployed in 2002, HMH-772(Det) provided heavy lift support for Operational Rehearsal Dynamic Response 2002 in Kosovo. After Kosovo the detachment then moved onto Djibouti and for the next 5 months provided support for the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). After Djibouti the detachment rejoined the 24th MEU and provided support for Task Force Tarawa and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The detachment was deployed overseas for 9 months and returned in May 2003. During 2008, Marine Reserve HMH squadrons were reorganized. HMH-769 was deactivated and on 30 September 2008, HMH-772 was reduced to a detachment-sized unit and redesignated HMH-772(-). On March 25, 2009 HMH-772(-) was mobilized to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As part of the workup, HMH-772 broke down five CH-53E Super Stallions for Air Force C-5 and C-17 transport to Afghanistan. On April 30, 2009, approx. 100 Marines departed NAS JRB Willow Grove. These Marines joined with HMH-361(DET) at Kandahar Air Base. The remaining Marines arrived with the five CH-53E's throughout the month of May. In June of 2009, HMH-772(-)(REIN) part of MAG-40 moved to Camp Leatherneck in Helmond Province to begin supporting operation in the region. The "Hustlers" took part in Operation Strike of the Sword(Operation Khanjar), the largest movement of Marines since Vietnam War. HMH-772(-)(REIN) was the first unit to airlift the Marine Corps M777A2 Howitzer in combat. The howitzers were lifted from Fire Base Fiddler's Green and taken to FOB Golestan. After spending 8 months deployed, the "Hustlers" of HMH-772(-) returned to NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA in December 2009. They later de-mobilized on March 24th, 2010 and continue to provide support to the Fleet Marine Force. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772(-) officially moved from Naval Air Station Willow Grove, PA to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst(JB MDL) in March of 2011 and the Helicopters officially touched down at there new hanger located at 4401 Texas Avenue, Fort Dix, New Jersey on March 18, 2011. With the Marines arrival at the Joint Base, every branch of the Department of Defense, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, are represented at JB MDL” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/772.html;
http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/4thMAW/MAG49/HMH772/Pages/772history.aspx & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMH-772 ).
Awards
· National Defense Service streamer
· Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer; Bangladesh
· National Defense Service streamer
· Navy Unit Commendation streamer- 1991
· Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer - 1994 – 1995
· Navy Unit Commendation streamer- 2002-2003
HMR-772 HMM-772 HMH-772 HMH-772 Det A HMH-772 Det A
    
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“In 1980, the three Marine Reserve Heavy Helicopter Squadrons (HMH-769,-772,-777) were reorganized and one large squadron was formed. HMH-769 was deactivated and redesignated HMH-772 Det A. Det A was activated during the Gulf War (1990-91) and served with MAG-26. After the end of hostilities, HMH-772 Det A embarked aboard USS Tarawa as the heavy-lift element of MAG-50. While part of MAG-50, the "Roadhogs" took part in Operation Sea Angel, the Bangladesh disaster relief operation. In 1993, the detachments were deactivated, and HMH-769 was reactivated. Activated 1 June 1980 by redesignation of HMH-769. Deactivated 1 April 1993 - resumed HMH-769 designation. This detachment served with MAG-50 during the Gulf War and participated in Operation "Sea Angel" in Bangladesh (1991)” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/772a.html ).
HMH-772 Det A
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“HMH-772, Detachment B was formed 1 October 1980 when HMH-777 was deactivated. The unit was reformed as a detachment of HMH-772, which was based in Willow Grove, PA. For the next thirteen years, the detachment and its CH-53As, and later CH-53Ds, supported the 4th Marine Air Wing and other Marine Reserve units, including a 5-month deployment to Okinawa in 1991. In 1993, the Reserve heavy-lift squadrons were realigned, and both HMH-772 detachments were deactivated. Det A was reactivated as HMH-769, but HMH-777 was not reactivated. Formed 1 June 1980 by redesignation of HMH-777. Deactivated 1 April 1993” (Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/772b.html ).
HMH-772 Det B
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“Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769 (HMH-769) was a United States Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter squadron. Nicknamed the "Titan", the squadron was based at Edwards Air Force Base, California and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 46 (MAG-46) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). “Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, the squadron's assets were redistributed throughout the fleet and was deactivated on August 2, 2008. The Marine Aircraft Group 46 Detachment Bravo is scheduled to deactivate its Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769 in the late summer as part of the 2007 Marine Corps Aviation Plan. The aviation plan is a consolidated action plan that provides an overview of Marine aviation total force organization, aviation readiness and planned organization aircraft and equipment transitions over the next 10-year period. "Ultimately, they are going to make a smaller force that will provide the same mission but less aircraft and people," said Sgt. Maj. Michael Brookman, MAG 46 Det. B's highest enlisted Marine. "They are trying to get the aircraft either to the active forces or to the retirement yard."
MAG 46 Det. B includes HMH-769 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 764. HMH-769 is responsible for CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters, while HMH-764 manages CH-46E Sea Knight transport helicopters. HMH-769 is scheduled to ship out its CH-53 helicopters gradually, said Lt. Col. Thomas McCarthy, MAG 46 Det. B commanding officer. About 65 reservists and 90 active-duty Marines within the squadron will be impacted by the deactivation. "The (squadron has) already started moving some of its aircraft," Colonel McCarthy said. "By the end of July, all of the CH-53 aircraft will be gone from Edwards." The MAG 46 Det. B will be focusing on helping HMH-769 with its equipment and personnel during August and September time frame, he said. "As far as the active-duty Marines, they will begin to move this summer wherever they are needed," Colonel McCarthy said. "Some of them have already moved, and we are not receiving replacements." This is just another permanent change of station move for the active-duty Marines, he said. The ones who are impacted the most with this transition are the reservists. For the Marine reservists, some will be transferred to the HMH-764 squadron, Colonel McCarthy said. They also have the option to get out of the Reserves, find another military occupational specialty or transfer to another unit. Meanwhile, MAG 46 Det. B here will continue to perform its function, Sergeant Major Brookman said. "The Detachment Bravo's mission is to provide administration and supply support," he said. "We still have one squadron here, so our role is not going to change." The HMH-769 deactivation will also mean a reduction of people within the detachment since they will be only be focusing on HMH-764, Sergeant Major Brookman said. "Hopefully, this is going to be a smooth process," he said. "We have been planning this deactivation for about a year now. It is a lot of work to get from today until the HMH-769 deactivates." Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, the squadron's assets were redistributed throughout the fleet and was deactivated on August 2, 2008. Marine HMH-769 squadron begins deactivation process. Posted 1/24/2008 - By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes - 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. ).
http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123083431
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“HMH-777 originally activated in 1959 as HMR-777. The squadron, the second to be formed at Dallas, was also the last Reserve helicopter squadron to be activated. In April 1962, the squadron was redesignated HMM-777. Later that year the Marine Aviation Reserve Training Command was reorganized and several squadrons were deactivated, including the other Dallas-based squadron HMM-762, which was absorbed by HMM-777. In 1971, the squadron traded in its aging UH-34Ds for the CH-53A, and was redesignated HMH-777. In 1980, HMH-777 fell victim to another round of budget cuts and was deactivated. The squadron personnel and aircraft formed” Ref. http://hma1369.tripod.com/777.html & MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 772, Detachment B).
HMR-777 HMM-777 HMH-777
Flying Armadillos
 
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References include List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons at Wikipedia; others and navy web sites all linked hereto.
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