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US Marine Corps - Marine Heavy
Helicopter Squadron 363 HMH-363 'Red Lions' |
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 HMH-363 to VMM-363 redesignation and change of command ceremony at MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay - May 10, 2012  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Helmand Province, Afghanistan - January 2012  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - January 2012  caliber .50 machine gun in a Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Helmand Province, Afghanistan - January 2012  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) fires flares over Helmand Province, Afghanistan - January 2012  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) recovering a crashed helicopter off Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - April 2011  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) recovering a crashed helicopter off Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - April 2011  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) recovering a crashed helicopter off Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - April 2011  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) recovering a crashed helicopter off Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - April 2011  change of command ceremony at MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay - November 2010  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Camp Bastion, Afghanistan - July 2010  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Camp Bastion, Afghanistan - July 2010  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - Afghanistan - June 2010  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - September 2008  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) over Al Asad Air Base, Iraq - September 2008  Sikorsky CH-53D (HMH-363) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay - January 2006  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Kahuku Training Area Oahu, Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Kahuku Training Area Oahu, Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Kahuku Training Area Oahu, Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Kahuku Training Area Oahu, Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) at Kahuku Training Area Oahu, Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1) - exercise RIMPAC 04, off Hawaii - July 2004  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Exercise Cobra Gold - Thailand - May 2003  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) operation out of MCB Ternate, Philippines - March 2002  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Operation Restore Hope - Somalia - 1993  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Operation Restore Hope - Somalia - 1993  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) during Operation Restore Hope - Somalia - 1993  Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-363) - 1970's  Sikorsky CH-53A Sea Stallion (HMH-363) over MCAS Santa Ana, California - circa 1968-69  Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse (HMM-363) aboard USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) - March 1968  Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse (HMM-363) aboard USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) - circa 1966  Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse (HMM-363) aboard USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) - circa 1966  Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse (HMM-363) flies through Black Star Canyon, California - April 1964  A Sikorsky CH-37C Mojave from HMH-462 leads a Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse from HMM-363 over California - April 1964  A Sikorsky CH-37C Mojave from HMH-462 leads a Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse from HMM-363 over California - April 1964  Sikorsky HRS-1 (HMR-363) during Operation Teapot (nuclear tests on Nevada Test Site) - 1955  Sikorsky HRS-1 (HMR-363) during Operation Teapot (nuclear tests on Nevada Test Site) - 1955  Sikorsky HRS-1 (HMR-363) during Operation Teapot (nuclear tests on Nevada Test Site) - 1955 |
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Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron
(HMR) 363 was activated June 2, 1952, at Santa Ana, California, due
to the demands of the Korean War. After the squadron’s activation,
personnel of HMR-363 embarked on a rigorous flight training schedule
with their newly issued Sikorsky HRS-1 helicopters. HMR-363’s first deployment took place in January through September 1956. HMR-363 supported Operation Redwing (US Army), an atomic test series conducted at test site Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, out of Eniwetok Army Base. Throughout the summer HMR-363 supported the atomic testing with General Support (GS) using both the Sikorsky HRS-1 and the HRS-3. Later in 1956, the squadron became the first West Coast helicopter unit to receive the Sikorsky H-34 helicopter and was re-designated as Marine Helicopter Squadron (Light) (HMR(L)) 363. Throughout the next several years, HMR(L) was re-designated repeatedly as small changes to her helicopters were made; on 30 June 1958 as Marine Transport Squadron (Composite), then on 29 February 1960 back to HMR(L). Finally, as all the Sikorsky HRS type helicopters were phased out, the squadron was again re-designated on 1 February 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 363. In December 1964, a disastrous flood struck Northern California, and on Christmas Eve, 15 UH-34’s of HMM-363 deployed aboard the USS Bennington and rushed northward to the disaster area. General V.H. Krulak, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific wrote a personal letter of congratulations to HMM-363 for their "relief of suffering and preservation of life." The intensification of the American involvement in the war in Vietnam in 1965 necessitated the deployment of Marine forces to Southeast Asia. On September 1, 1965, HMM-363 and its 15 UH-34’s engaged in their first combat missions ever. The squadron’s initial troop insert was a combined operation with HMM-161 in moving the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment into a landing zone south of Da Nang. Close ties between HMM-363 and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces were developed in Operation FLYING TIGER. The famed Tiger Division was airlifted to Hill 78 in conjunction with the operation, which was proclaimed as the most successful Korean Offensive of the war to date. Out of mutual respect for each other, the Korean Marines also presented an award to HMM-363, a new insignia and the nickname, the "Lucky Red Lions." March 26, 1968 was perhaps the most disastrous day in the history of HMM-363. During a rocket attack, five squadron members were wounded and required medical evacuation. During the flight up the coast of Vietnam, the medevac aircraft was tragically lost at sea, killing seven people including the Commanding Officer, LtCol Frankie E. Allgood. The only survivors were the pilot and co-pilot who managed to escape before the aircraft sank in the coastal waters. In January 1969 HMM-363 was later re-designated as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 363 and established in Santa Ana, California, equipped with 13 new Sikorsky CH-53A aircraft. The new "Super Bird", took over the role of the heavy lift helicopter in the Vietnam War from the now obsolete UH-34. The old workhorse of the war had to give way to the sophisticated jet turbine powered CH-53A. For the remainder of the Vietnam War, in addition to assault support, HMH-363 was one of the first squadrons to execute Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), recovering several downed UH-34 and CH-46 airframes during the war. In December of 1972, HMH-363 continued to execute TRAP when they lifted HMH-361’s CH-53A that had crashed in a mountainous area near Saddleback Mountain. In September of 1973, HMH-363 performed the same mission again when a crashed CH-53A was externally extracted from a 4,000-foot mountain-landing zone. In early 1982, the Red Lions were well on their way to another outstanding year by receiving the Meritorious Unit Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, the squadron participated in the Unit Deployment Program to Marine Air Group 36, supporting multiple operations, to include TEAM SPIRIT, EMERALD EXPRESS, VALIANT BLITZ, and BEACH CREST throughout the Western Pacific and Far East. During their 1984 unit deployment, the squadron accumulated the most flight time ever achieved by a deployed helicopter squadron. In April 1986, the Red Lions were awarded the CNO Safety Award for 1985, exceeding 10,000 mishap free hours and two years of accident free flying. As the sole CH-53D west coast squadron, the Red Lions participated in several exercises, providing support at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty Nine Palms and Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California. Always ready, in December 1992, the Red Lions participated in Operation RESTORE HOPE as the heavy helicopter lift support for Marine Forces in Somalia and the Joint Task Force, deploying 162 personnel and 10 aircraft in less than four weeks. For its outstanding service, the squadron was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and numerous air crewmen were awarded the Air Medal for missions flown during the four-month deployment. Returning to California, the squadron resumed its support of I Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted squadron-training deployments, and supported exercises such as DESFIREX and EMERALD EXPRESS. In 1996, HMH-363 was relocated to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in permanent support of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron boarded the newly commissioned USS Boxer to sail to Hawaii, thereby consolidating all existing CH-53D squadrons on one station. Soon thereafter, the squadron established itself as the premier assault support helicopter squadron for Marine Air Group 24. In October 2001, immediately following the tragic events of September 11th, the squadron was ordered to reestablish the WESTPAC Unit Deployment Program at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and became the first CH-53D squadron in over ten years to deploy to Japan. The Red Lions participated in the Unit Deployment Program April - October 2003. The squadron also participated in numerous Hawaii Combined Arms Exercises (HCAX), Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS 02, Exercise COBRA GOLD 03, and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 04. The Red Lions distinguished themselves by earning three consecutive CNO Safety awards in 2001, 2002 and 2003 for 20,000 mishap free hours. The Red Lions were further recognized in 2002 when nominated by the Secretary of Defense for the Phoenix Award for Excellence in Maintenance. The squadron supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit by chopping four aircraft to the MEU during June 2005 in support of the Global War on Terrorism. From late 2006 to early 2007, HMH-363 deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based at Al Asad, this was the unit’s first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. From 2011 through 2012, HMH-363 deployed to Afghanistan is support of Operation Enduring Freedom. HMH-363 was deactivated on 10 May 2012 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The squadron was then re-designated VMM-363 and activated as an MV-22 Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Air Wing. Throughout their tenure at MCAS Miramar, the Red Lions supported the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), Crisis Response, Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) with TRAP coverage of Iraq and Syria. As part of the SPMAGTF-CR-CC rotation VMM-363 deployed to support SPAGTF-CR-CCs 15.1, 16.2, and 17.1. After their third rotation to SPMAGTF-CR-CC, and the squadron became fully acclimated to a regular diet of sand, VMM-363 enthusiastically conducted the move from MCAS Miramar to MCBH Kaneohe Bay in July 2018. Today, the Red Lions are an MV-22B squadron that will continue to provide Assault Support to the MAGTF. Throughout its rich history, the Red Lions have received countless honors and decorations for their ability to get the job done under fire. With such a tremendous legacy, there is no doubt that the Red Lions of today will continue to serve with the same esprit de corps found throughout its history in the finest tradition of Marine Aviation and the United States Marine Corps. source: VMM-363 website - - - - - another history: Early years: Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 363 (HMR-363) was activated on 2 June 1952, at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California as part of Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36). In 1953, the unit flew the Sikorsky HRS-1 and during this period took part in Operation Desert Rock, the first atomic test to use ground troops. Soon thereafter, the squadron became the first West Coast helicopter unit to receive the Sikorsky H-34 helicopter. In December 1964, a disastrous flood struck Northern California, and on Christmas Eve, HMM-363 deployed aboard the USS Bennington and rushed northward to the disaster area. Vietnam War: On 11 August 1965 the squadron departed the U.S. onboard USS Princeton. The squadron was deployed to Qui Nhon, South Vietnam on 1 September as part of MAG-36. The squadron’s initial troop insert was a combined operation with HMM-161 in moving the 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines into a landing zone south of Da Nang at Marble Mountain. Close ties between HMM-363 and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces were developed in Operation Flying Tiger. The Tiger Division was airlifted to Hill 78 in conjunction with the operation, which was viewed as the most successful Korean offensive of the war to date. At the beginning of 1966 the squadron remained at Qui Nhon under the operational control of the Commanding General, U.S. Field Forces, Vietnam. In early March the squadron supported Operation Utah. On 4 July the squadron became the Special Landing Force (SLF) helicopter squadron aboard USS Iwo Jima. During its time as the SLF squadron it supported Operation Deckhouse II, launched in conjunction with Operation Hastings. In September the squadron supported Operation Deckhouse IV. On 28 September the squadron returned ashore. On 19 January 1967 the squadron returned to SLF duty on Iwo Jima. In mid-February the squadron supported Operation Deckhouse VI. From 20 March the squadron supported Operation Beacon Hill. On 4 April the squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 13 at Chu Lai Base Area. In September the squadron supported Operation Swift. In October the squadron supported Operation Kingfisher. By December the squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16 at Marble Mountain Air Facility. On 9 February 1968 the squadron became the SLF Alpha helicopter squadron. On 26 March following a rocket attack, five squadron members were wounded and required medical evacuation. During the flight up the coast the medevac helicopter lost its engine and crashed killing seven people including the commanding officer. On 15 April the squadron returned ashore under the control of MAG-36. On 6 September the squadron again became the SLF Alpha helicopter squadron. On 7 December the squadron returned ashore under MAG-36 at Phu Bai Combat Base. On 21 January 1969, the squadron was redeployed back to the U.S.. It was redesignated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 36 (HMH-363) after having received the Sikorsky CH-53A transport helicopter. Post-Vietnam: In October 1972, the squadron was the first unit to receive the powerful CH-53D. In March 1977, the squadron was selected to participate in the operational evaluation of the USS Tarawa, the first of the new large and modern amphibious ships. In early 1983, the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation. The Squadron provided relief efforts and humanitarian support in the Philippines following a devastating earthquake and flood in 1990. HMH-363 flew countless missions and over 500 flight hours in 3½ weeks, delivering food, clothing, and shelter to inhabitants living in remote areas of the Philippines. The squadron received the Humanitarian Service Medal for its relief effort. During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, HMH-363 supported the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa and returned to California in May 1991, terminating its unit rotations to Okinawa after this eleven-month deployment. In December 1992, the squadron participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The squadron has also supported Joint Task Force Six at Fort Bliss, Texas. During August 1996, the Red Lions relocated to Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay and were reassigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Global War on Terror: From late 2006 to early 2007, HMH-363 deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based at Al Asad, this was the unit's first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror During Operation Iraqi Freedom HMH-363 flew 848.8 hours in one month. The squadron deployed again to Al Asad in Summer 2008 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. They returned to MCB Hawaii in February 2009. HMH-363 was deactivated on 10 May 2012 at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The squadron was then re-designated VMM-363 and activated as an MV-22B Osprey Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Upon activating in 3rd MAW VMM-363 would go on to serve three combat deployments in the Central Command Area of Responsibility before moving back to MCB Hawaii. source: wikipedia |
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