Введение
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) – это тильтроторная эскадрилья Корпуса морской пехоты США, состоящая из транспортных самолетов MV-22 Osprey. Эскадрилья, известная как "Золотые орлы", базируется на авиастанции Корпуса морской пехоты Нью-Ривер, штат Северная Каролина, и подчиняется командованию Морской авиационной группы 26 (MAG 26) и 2-го Морского авиационного крыла (2nd MAW). HMM 162 официально прекратила свою деятельность 9 декабря 2005 года для начала процесса перехода на MV-22 Osprey. 31 августа 2006 года эскадрилья была повторно активирована как вторая оперативная эскадрилья Osprey в Корпусе морской пехоты. VMM 162 была признана эскадрильей года в 2023 году.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
История
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Ранние годы
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) была сформирована 30 июня 1951 года на авиационном объекте Корпуса морской пехоты Санта-Ана. Основной задачей эскадрильи в то время было обеспечение воздушной переброски и воздушного снабжения для Флота морской пехоты в ходе десантных операций. Численность личного состава эскадрильи быстро росла, и экипажи были направлены на авиастанцию Корпуса морской пехоты Квантико, штат Вирджиния, для приемки и перегона новых вертолетов Sikorsky HRS-1 на MCAF Santa Ana. В течение этих первых месяцев эскадрилья была занята в основном отработкой навыков, что способствовало накоплению знаний о вертолетах и их тактическому применению, в конечном итоге заложив основу для доктрины Корпуса морской пехоты по вертикальному десантированию. Вертолеты HMR 162 вошли в историю десантных операций в феврале 1952 года во время операции Lex Baker I, когда они перебросили боевую роту 3-го морского полка с эскортного авианосца USS Rendova на холмы базового лагеря Корпуса морской пехоты Пендлтон. Перемещение с корабля на берег было первым в своем роде в таком масштабе. 31 декабря 1956 года эскадрилья была переименована в Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162). В 1956 финансовом году эскадрилья налетала 5166 часов без происшествий и была удостоена награды начальника военно-морских операций за безопасность полетов. В марте 1957 года шесть морских пехотинцев эскадрильи были награждены Филиппинским орденом Почета за их мужество при проведении поисково-спасательных операций на месте гибели президента Рамона Магсайсая на острове Себу. Самолет, перевозивший президента Филиппин из города Себу в Манилу, потерпел крушение, и эскадрилью попросили оказать помощь в спасательных операциях. В конце года HMR(L) 162 поднялся на борт "Принстон" и отправился в Южно-Китайское море. По пути корабль был направлен в Сингапур для загрузки грузов, которые должны были быть доставлены вертолетами пострадавшим от наводнения на Цейлоне. Эскадрилья использовала 20 вертолетов HRS-3 в этой операции и за пять дней эвакуации и снабжения налетала в общей сложности 1123,9 часа. Одной из рекомендаций, вытекающих из этой операции, было продолжение и интенсификация усилий по разработке навигационных систем для вертолетов. 5 февраля 1959 года эскадрилья была переведена на авиастанцию Корпуса морской пехоты Нью-Ривер, штат Северная Каролина, где она была реорганизована в состав Морской авиационной группы 26. В течение летних месяцев 1962 года HMR(L) 162 участвовала в операциях по оказанию помощи в районе побережья Мексиканского залива после урагана "Карла". 2 апреля 1960 года HMR(L) 162 была сокращена до минимальной численности и переведена в 1-е Морское авиационное крыло. Эскадрилья была немедленно восстановлена в течение нескольких дней на MCAS Futenma, Окинава, по мере прибытия личного состава с MCAS New River. В конце июня 1962 года эскадрилья сменила HMM 261 в качестве вертолетного подразделения, поддерживающего 3-й морской экспедиционный отряд (3rd MEU) на авиабазе Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Таиланд. Всего через четыре дня после прибытия 3-му MEU было приказано отойти, и эскадрилья была погружена на "Валли Фордж" и отбыла в Таиланд.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Война во Вьетнаме
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
11 января 1963 года эскадрилья сменила HMM 163 в качестве эскадрильи операции Shufly на авиабазе Дананг, Южный Вьетнам. 10 марта два вертолета UH-34D эскадрильи участвовали в поисково-спасательной операции по поиску пропавшего в горах высотой 5000 футов (1524 м) в 48 км к юго-западу от Куан Нгай разведывательного самолета армии США OV-1 Mohawk. Когда один вертолет спустил южновьетнамского рейнджера на спасательном тросе, вертолет потерял мощность и упал, убив рейнджера и второго пилота. Другой UH-34D потерпел крушение неподалеку, пытаясь спасти экипаж, его экипаж был спасен, а вертолет уничтожен. 13 апреля эскадрилья высадила войска Армии Республики Вьетнам (ARVN) 2-й дивизии в 48 км к югу от Дананга, впервые сопровождаемые ударными вертолетами U.S. Army UH-1B из 68-й авиационной роты. Несмотря на дополнительную поддержку, три UH-34 были сбиты во время операции. Все три самолета были в конечном итоге восстановлены. 27 апреля эскадрилья поддержала операцию Bach Phuong XI, наступление ARVN на опорный пункт Вьетконга в Đỗ Xá, один вертолет был подбит при первоначальной высадке и подлежал уничтожению. С конца апреля эскадрилья поддерживала 90-дневную операцию 1-й дивизии ARVN вдоль границы с Лаосом. 8 июня эскадрилья была заменена HMM 261, в ходе развертывания она выполнила 17 670 вылетов общей продолжительностью 8579 часов, потеряв одного морского пехотинца убитым и три UH-34D уничтоженными. В середине июня 1964 года эскадрилья сошла на берег с USS Valley Forge, чтобы заменить HMM 364 в качестве эскадрильи Shufly на авиабазе Дананг, официальная передача состоялась 19 июня. Эскадрилья поддержала американские и южновьетнамские силы, участвовавшие в битве за Нам Донг с 5 по 6 июля. 18 июля эскадрилья эвакуировала морскую команду на горе Тайгер Тус (Dong Voi Mẹp) в Кесань. Одновременно был отправлен четырехвертолетный отряд в Удон для оказания помощи в поисково-спасательных операциях. 30 августа вертолет UH-34D эскадрильи зацепился за деревья на небольшой возвышенной посадочной площадке и потерпел крушение, экипаж был спасен, а вертолет разобран и уничтожен. 4 сентября эскадрилья поддержала операцию Chinh Bien, наступление 2-й дивизии ARVN в провинции Куанг Нам. 21 сентября эскадрилья перелетела в Нячанг, чтобы избежать тайфуна "Тильда", и вернулась 23 сентября. 8 октября эскадрилья была заменена личным составом HMM 365, в ходе этого развертывания эскадрилья выполнила около 6600 вылетов общей продолжительностью чуть более 4400 часов, потеряв два UH-34D. 17 ноября эскадрилья, которая теперь формировала вертолетное подразделение Специальной десантной группы (SLF) на борту USS Princeton, присоединилась к спасательным операциям после тайфуна "Кейт". За шесть дней эскадрилья налетала более 600 часов и выполнила 1020 вылетов. 21 ноября один из ее вертолетов упал в море, погибли два морских пехотинца. 4 марта 1965 года эскадрилья вернулась на Окинаву со службы SLF. 9 марта личный состав эскадрильи был переброшен на авиабазу Дананг, где они приняли вертолеты HMM 365. Эскадрилья начала действовать 12 марта и была назначена для поддержки недавно высадившейся 9-й морской экспедиционной бригады (9th MEB). Находясь в Ираке, VMM 162 перевозил нескольких известных людей по стране, в том числе тогдашнего кандидата в президенты Барака Обаму.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV 22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", 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). HMM 162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV 22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM 162 was the squadron of the year in 2023. History
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 162 (HMR 162) was commissioned on 30 June 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana. The primary mission of the squadron at that time was to provide airlift and air supply for the Fleet Marine Force in amphibious operations. The personnel strength of the squadron grew quickly and crews were sent to Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia to accept and ferry the new Sikorsky HRS 1 helicopters to MCAF Santa Ana. During these early months, the squadron was occupied primarily with proficiency training, which contributed to the growing body of knowledge of rotary winged aircraft and their tactical employment, ultimately evolving into a basis for the Marine Corps' doctrine of vertical envelopment. Helicopters of HMR 162 made amphibious warfare history in February 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I, when they airlifted a combat equipped company of the 3rd Marine Regiment from the escort carrier USS Rendova to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hills. The ship to shore movement was the first ever attempted on such a scale. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Helicopter Squadron Light (HMR(L) 162'). In the fiscal year 1956, the squadron logged 5,166 accident free flight hours and was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. During March 1957, six Marines of the squadron were awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for their gallant conduct in the recovery operations at the scene of the death of President Ramon Magsaysay on Cebu Island. The plane carrying the Philippine President from Cebu City to Manila crashed and the squadron was asked to assist in the rescue and recovery operations that were subsequently undertaken. As the year came to a close HMR(L) 162 boarded the Princeton and set sail for the South China Sea. While en route, the ship was ordered to Singapore to load supplies to be helo distributed to flood victims in Ceylon. The squadron used 20 HRS 3s in the operation and logged a total of 1123.9 hours for the five days of evacuation and resupply. One of the recommendations to emerge from this action was that efforts be continued and intensified to devise navigational systems for helicopters. On 5 February 1959, the squadron was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it reformed as a unit of Marine Aircraft Group 26. During the summer months of 1962, HMR(L) 162 was involved with the relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricane Carla. On 2 April 1960, HMR (L) 162 was reduced to zero strength and shifted to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was immediately built up in a few days at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa as personnel began reporting from MCAS New River. In late June 1962 the squadron replaced HMM 261 as the helicopter unit supporting the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit (3rd MEU) at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Just four days after their arrival the 3rd MEU was ordered to withdraw and the squadron was loaded on the Valley Forge and they departed Thailand. Vietnam War
On 11 January 1963 the squadron replaced HMM 163 as the Operation Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. On 10 March two squadron UH 34Ds were engaged in a search and rescue operation for a United States Army OV 1 Mohawk missing in 5,000 feet (1524 m) mountains 30 mile (48 km) southwest of Quảng Ngãi. As one helicopter lowered a South Vietnamese Ranger on a rescue hoist the helicopter lost power and crashed, killing the Ranger and the copilot. Another UH 34D crashed nearby while attempting to rescue the crew, its crew was recovered and the helicopter destroyed. On 13 April the squadron landed Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops from the 2nd Division 30 mile (48 km) south of Danang escorted for the first time by U. S. Army UH 1B gunships from the 68th Aviation Company. In spite of the additional support three UH 34s were shot down during the operation. All three aircraft were eventually recovered. On 27 April the squadron supported Operation Bach Phuong XI, an ARVN attack on the Vietcong (VC) stronghold at Đỗ Xá , one helicopter was hit in the initial landings and had to be destroyed. From late April the squadron supported a 90 day operation by the ARVN 1st Division along the Laos border. On 8 June the squadron was replaced by HMM 261, during its deployment it had flown 17,670 sorties for a total of 8,579 flight hours, losing one Marine killed and three UH 34Ds destroyed. In mid June 1964 the squadron came ashore from USS Valley Forge to replace HMM 364 as the Shufly squadron at Da Nang Air Base, with the formal handover on 19 June. The squadron supported the U. S. and South Vietnamese forces engaged in the Battle of Nam Dong from 5–6 July. On 18 July the squadron evacuated the Marine team on Tiger Tooth Mountain (Dong Voi Mẹp) to Khe Sanh. At the same time a four helicopter detachment was sent to Udorn to assist with search and rescue operations. On 30 August a squadron UH 34D hit trees on a small high elevation landing zone and crash landed the crew was rescued and the helicopter stripped and destroyed. On 4 September the squadron supported Operation Chinh Bien an ARVN 2nd Division assault in Quảng Nam Province. On 21 September the squadron flew to Nha Trang to escape Typhoon Tilda, returning on 23 September. On 8 October the squadron was relieved in place by the men of HMM 365, during this deployment the squadron had conducted approximately 6,600 sorties for a total of slightly over 4,400 flight hours, losing two UH 34Ds. On 17 November, the squadron which now formed the helicopter unit of the Special Landing Force (SLF) on USS Princeton'' joined recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Kate. During six days the squadron flew over 600 hours and completed 1,020 sorties. On 21 November one of its helicopters crashed at sea with two Marines killed. On 4 March 1965 the squadron returned to Okinawa from SLF duty. On 9 March the squadron's personnel were flown into Da Nang Air Base where they took over the helicopters of HMM 365. The squadron became operational on 12 March and was assigned to support the newly landed 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (9th MEB). While in Iraq, VMM 162 transported several high profile people around the country including then presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Землетрясение на Гаити в 2010 году
После разрушительного землетрясения на Гаити 12 января 2010 года, VMM 162, выполнявший функции авиационного боевого элемента 24-го морского экспедиционного соединения (24 MEU), был перенаправлен из запланированного развертывания на Ближнем Востоке для оказания гуманитарной помощи и ликвидации последствий стихийного бедствия на Гаити в рамках операции «Единый ответ». Вертолеты-конвертопланы эскадрильи, действовавшие с борта «Нассау», впервые в истории использовались в гуманитарной миссии.
After the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake on 12 January, VMM 162, serving as the aviation combat element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) was diverted from its scheduled Middle East deployment to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Haiti, as part of Operation Unified Response. The squadron's Ospreys, operating from the Nassau were the first ever used for a humanitarian mission.