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US Marine Corps - Marine Light Attack
Helicopter Squadron 269 HMLA-269 'Gunrunners' |
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 AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during MAG-29 Distributed Aviation Operations Exercise at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, Andros Island, The Bahamas - February 2026  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise America Strike at Bombing Target 11, Piney Island, North Carolina - January 2026  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - October 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - September 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at MCAS New River, North Carolina - August 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) near Norfolk, Virginia - June 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - May 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - January 2025  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - January 2025  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - January 2025  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - January 2025  HMLA-269, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, reactivated during a ceremony aboard MCAS New River, North Carolina - July 1, 2024  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) - final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) - final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  HMLA-269 final flight before deactivation - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 7, 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - August 2022  UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response - Norway - April 2022  UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response at Bardufoss Air Station, Norway - March 2022  UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response at Bardufoss Air Station, Norway - March 2022  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response at Bardufoss Air Station, Norway - March 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response at Bardufoss Air Station, Norway - March 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Cold Response at Bardufoss Air Station, Norway - March 2022  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) - Lamar, Colorado - November 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) - Lamar, Colorado - November 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Fort Carson, Colorado - November 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Fort Carson, Colorado - November 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Fort Carson, Colorado - November 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Salinas, Peru - October 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Salinas, Peru - October 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Salinas, Peru - October 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Salinas, Peru - October 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) aboard USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) - Exercise UNITAS LXII - October 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) aboard USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) - Exercise UNITAS LXII - September 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Ancon, Peru - September 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Lima, Peru - September 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during Exercise UNITAS LXII - Lima, Peru - September 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-162(REIN), aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) - July 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-162(REIN), aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) - July 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269), part of VMM-162(REIN), aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) - June 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269), part of VMM-162(REIN), aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) - June 2021  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-162(REIN), aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) - April 2021  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - April 2021  HMLA-269 final flight with AH-1W Super Cobras - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 2019  HMLA-269 final flight with AH-1W Super Cobras - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 2019  HMLA-269 final flight with AH-1W Super Cobras - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 2019  HMLA-269 final flight with AH-1W Super Cobras - MCAS New River, North Carolina - November 2019  AH-1Z Viper (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - October 2019  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - June 2019  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - June 2019  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - April 2019  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - March 2019  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - January 2019  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - January 2019  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - January 2019  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - December 2018  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Trident Juncture, Norway - October 2018  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) during NATO Exercise Trident Juncture, Norway - October 2018  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-264(REIN), aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24) - September 2018  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2018  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2018  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) near Mountain Home AFB, Idaho - March 2018  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) near Mountain Home AFB, Idaho - March 2018  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at MCAS New River, North Carolina - December 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2017  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2017  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2017  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan - August 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Fort Drum, New York - March 2017  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Fort Drum, New York - March 2017  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - February 2016  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - February 2016  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at MCI Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea - September 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-265(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - August 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-265(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - June 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-265(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - June 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-365(REIN) - Djibouti - April 2015  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at MCAS New River, North Carolina - March 2015  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at MCAS New River, North Carolina - March 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, North Carolina - February 2015  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, North Carolina - February 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-365(REIN), aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) - January 2015  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - November 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - October 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - October 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, North Carolina - July 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - May 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - March 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - March 2014  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) - March 2014  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-263(REIN), at MCAS New River, North Carolina - September 2013  UH-1Y Venom (HMLA-269) at MCAS New River, North Carolina - August 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) aboard USS New York (LPD 21) - July 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) aboard USS New York (LPD 21) - July 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) - Kuwait - June 2012  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) - Exercise Eager Lion, Jordan - May 2012  UH-1N Twin Huey and AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) - Exercise Eager Lion, Jordan - May 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) - Exercise Eager Lion, Jordan - May 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269), part of VMM-261(REIN) - Exercise Eager Lion, Jordan - May 2012  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan - June 2011  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) - Iraq - June 2005  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) during Operation Iraqi Freedom - April 2005  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269) during Operation Iraqi Freedom - April 2005  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - May 2003  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - May 2003  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) after an emergency landing in Iraq - April 2003  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269) - Kuwait - March 2003  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269) - Kuwait - March 2003  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) during Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2003  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) during Exercise Ocean Venture - aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - 1993  AH-1W Super Cobra (HMLA-269) during Exercise Ocean Venture - aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - 1993  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269) aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - 1992  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMLA-269) - Washington, DC - June 1991  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) - 1991  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - August 1987  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - August 1987  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - August 1987  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMLA-269) aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) - August 1987 HMA-269 redesignated HMLA-269 in April 1986  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) aboard USS Guam (LPH 9) - 1984  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  UH-1N Twin Huey (HMA-269) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - circa 1984  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) aboard USS Guam (LPH 9) - 1983  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) aboard USS Guam (LPH 9) - 1982  AH-1T Sea Cobra (HMA-269) near MCAS New River, North Carolina - 1982  AH-1J Sea Cobra (HMA-269) near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - March 1975 |
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| history | ||||||
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HMLA-269 was formed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North
Carolina on 22 February 1971 and activated on 1 July 1971 as the
Marine Corps first designated Attack Helicopter squadron. Equipped
with the AH-1J Sea Cobra, HMA-269s mission was to provide close-in
fire support during aerial and ground escort operations during ship
to shore movement and subsequent operations ashore. In December 1977 HMA-269 took delivery of the first AH-1T (TOW) Cobra. The Squadron opened a new era of attack helicopter aviation in 1979 by being the first Marine Corps squadron to fire the TOW anti-tank missile from an airborne platform. From that day, HML/A-269 has not surrendered the lead in developing a wide range of new anti-armor tactics. In the Early Eighties, with the addition of the UH-1N, HML/A-269 expanded its primary mission to include utility helicopter support. Though heavily committed, HML/A-269 maintained its impressive list of firsts; first flight testing of biochemical protective suits in the AH-1T (TOW), first flight testing of fast rope insertion equipment, first to refine the TOW missile engagement gun and missile radars. Additionally, the squadron participated in the first actual movement of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing assets in an air contingency drill. In 1986, the Gunrunners achieved yet another first when they fired a Sidewinder air-to-air missile at a target drone over the Desert of China Lake. These achievements earned the squadron a Meritorious Unit Commendation and selection as the Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 1986. In 1990, the Gunrunners deployed to Southwest Asia with twelve AH-1Ws, three AH-1Ts and six UH-1Ns. These assets participated in major 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade exercises during Operation DESERT SHIELD. During operation DESERT STORM, the squadron conducted critical on-call close-in fire support, escort for minesweeping aircraft, Surface Combat Air Patrol, and air intercept operations. Meanwhile, Gunrunner Hueys played a vital role in the raid on Faylaka Island, firing in excess of seventy-five 2.75 rockets at fortified Iraqi positions under NVG low light level conditions. Following the Gulf War, the Gunrunners continued to support requirements of LF6F deployments, in such areas as Yugoslavia, Somalia and the Middle East. The squadron also supported numerous 2d Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Forces Atlantic exercises, both CONUS and abroad, including exercises in Norway and Puerto Rico. In 1994 the Gunrunners were tasked with providing a detachment on short notice to HMM-264 for Special Purpose MAGTF-CARIB in support of Operation UPHOLD/SUPPORT DEMOCRACY in Haiti. One year later, on June 1995, two Gunrunner Cobras, assigned to HMM-263 escorted two CH-53Es from the USS Kearsage to successfully rescue Air Force Captain Scott OGrady. During this deployment, HML/A-269 also became the first squadron to deploy the new Night Targeting System on all of its Cobras; effectively adding increased combat compatibility to the forward deployed forces. Being Named the HML/A-269 Squadron of the Year rewarded the squadrons hard efforts that year. The squadron also supported detachments with LF6F deployments that supported Operation ASSURED RESPONSE in Liberia. In 1997 the HML/A detachment to HMM-365 supported Operation SILVER WAKE in Albania and Operation GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL in the Congo. In recognition of its hard-earned reputation for setting the standard in attack helicopter aviation, the Gunrunners were designated the Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year in 1998 by the Marine Corps Aviation Association. In the wake of the events on September 11, 2001, the Gunrunners attached to HMM-365 (REIN) with 26th MEU (SOC) flew combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) from forward operating Bases Rhino and Kandahar, in Afghanistan. In 2002 the Gunrunners attached to HMM-263 (REIN) with the 24th MEU (SOC) flying in Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, OEF and OIF. In January of 2003, the Gunrunners deployed as a squadron in support of OIF) HML/A-269 flew nearly 3000 combat hours in 55 days and maintained 24-hour operations with no personnel losses due to enemy action or mishaps. Bottom line, Gunrunners delivered deadly fire on enemy positions protecting our Marines as they pressed towards Baghdad. The Gunrunners continued to deploy to Iraq over the following years. They deployed in support of OIF during 2005, 2006, and 2007. During 2005 the Gunrunners flew more than 5951 hours and 3994 sorties, in 2006 they flew over 5452 hours and 4025 sorties, and in 2007 the Gunrunners flew over 4791 hours and 3478 sorties. Between each deployment the squadrons Marines were home for a period of only 5 months before once again joining the fight. In August 2008 after a year home, the Gunrunners deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of OIF and OEF. The Gunrunners main body resided in Al Asad Iraq and their detachment of 4 AH-1Ws and 51 personnel were sent to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. In December of 2008 HML/A-269s main body was called upon to make a difficult intra-theater movement to Al Taqaddum, Iraq. The Gunrunners were tasked with conducting their cross country movement while maintaining uninterrupted combat operations. The Gunrunners rose to the occasion and pulled off the move with nonstop combat support. OIF and OEF combined, the Gunrunners flew over 3800 hours and 3294 sorties. During this deployment the Gunrunners adopted their infamous deployment call sign Lawman and the use the Lawman Star. Once again, after only a 5 month turnaround, the Gunrunners were called upon for another deployment to Iraq. In August of 2009 the squadron departed for Iraq in support of OIF where they maintained dual site operations at Al Asad and Al Taqqadum. In December 2009 the Gunrunners left Iraq as the last Marine Corps attack aircraft to be stationed in Iraq in support of OIF. While deployed the squadron flew 1821 combat hours in support of 1963 sorties. Shortly After the squadrons return to New River they were announced as the recipients of the Marine Corps Aviation Associations HML/A of the year award for 2009. Gunrunner Marines have continually set the standard for professionalism, innovation, and mission accomplishment. They have led the way in the Light/Attack Helicopter community. Aggressive training, a pioneering spirit, and inspired leadership have molded HML/A-269 into the tactically minded and combat-ready fighting unit that it is today. With over a year of much deserved rest at home, the squadron re-deployed in May 2011 to Afghanistan in support of OEF. Here they would record the first Hellfire shot from a Cobra with an RQ-7 UAV designating. The Gunrunners returned home in early 2012 to begin preparing for training in El Centro, CA where they would shoot the last TOW missile from an HMLA aircraft. 2012 was another groundbreaking year for the Gunrunners; holding the sundown event for the last squadron flight of the UH-1N, while also operating as a quad-sited squadron, supporting the 24th and 31st MEUs, OEF, and operations at MCAS New River simultaneously. For their dedication and hard work, the Gunrunners were awarded the John P. Giguere Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year 2013 Award. HMLA-269 continued to support the MEU rotation and re-integrated the 22nd MEU after a seventeen- month mission detachment with VMM-263 (REIN) from 2013 through the end of 2014. HMLA-269 began 2015 with initial Digital Interoperability (DI) training, a capability that allows multiple cockpits and friendly forces on the ground to join the same network on handheld devices, greatly enhancing the situational awareness of everyone involved. While DI training took place stateside, the Gunrunner family detached Marines in support of the 24th MEU and Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 15-2. During UDP 15-2 the squadron supported Aviation Assault Support Exercise (AASE) and Bilateral Tactical Exercise (BiTACEX) 15.2 in the Philippines. This detachment integrated day and night flights with academic training alongside Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel, representing several firsts. HMLA-269 also took part in Operation Blue Chromite, during which Gunrunner aircraft participated in validating the VMM Spider FARP concept, conducting both refueling and rearming operations at an expeditionary site. By the end of UDP, HMLA-269 received a Bravo Zulu from the Commanding Officer of MAG-31 for both operational excellence and unprecedented aircraft readiness. For their dedication to professionalism and can-do spirit, the Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded HMLA-269 the John P. Giguere Award for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year 2016 Award. In 2016, the Gunrunners of HMLA-269 continued to demonstrate their tireless devotion to mission accomplishment while simultaneously operating in as many as five separate locations world-wide. These locations include supporting Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING (OOL) with the 22nd MEU, WTI courses 2-16 and 1-17, Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, the 24th and 31st MEU, and maintaining an operational squadron (-)(-) supporting II MEF at home. The 22nd MEU was directed to the Gulf of Sidra in support of OOL near the city of Sirte, Libya. OOL supported U.S. Special Operations Forces which enabled the Government of National Accord (GNA) to liberate the city of Sirte from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Libya (ISIL-L). In May, HMLA-269 deployed a detachment to the 31st MEU who would soon conduct three operational exercises while afloat, in the vicinity of Guam, Philippines, and Okinawa. In August, the squadron supported a third detachment to the 24th MEU and with the squadron stretched thin, a fourth detachment supported Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-17 in September. The WTI detachment became the fourth element of HMLA-269 to simultaneously operate away from the flag, making HMLA-269 a five-sited squadron. HMLA-269 was deactivated on December 9, 2022. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, reactivated during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 1, 2024. source: USMC |
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