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US Marine Corps - Marine Heavy
Helicopter Squadron 361 HMH-361 'Flying Tigers' |
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 CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Yuma, Arizona - March 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Yuma, Arizona - March 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Warrior Shield - Republic of Korea - March 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Warrior Shield - Republic of Korea - March 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Warrior Shield - Republic of Korea - February 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea - February 2024  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - December 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - December 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - December 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - November 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) - July 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho - June 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Camp Pendleton, California - May 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Camp Pendleton, California - May 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - February 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Camp Pendleton, California - January 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) refueling over MCAS Yuma, Arizona - January 2023  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - October 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - October 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) during Exercise Resolute Dragon, Hokkaido, Japan - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) during Exercise Resolute Dragon, Hokkaido, Japan - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) during Exercise Resolute Dragon, Hokkaido, Japan - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) during Exercise Resolute Dragon, Hokkaido, Japan - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - September 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - August 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - July 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) embarked on USS America (LHA 6) - March 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) embarked on USS America (LHA 6) - March 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Tripoli (LHA 7) - February 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - February 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - February 2022  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - October 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - October 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - October 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - October 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - May 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - May 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Camp Pendleton, California - May 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Camp Pendleton, California - May 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Okinawa, Japan - April 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Okinawa, Japan - February 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Okinawa, Japan - February 2021  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Noble Fury - Okinawa, Japan - October 2020  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Noble Fury - Okinawa, Japan - October 2020  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS America (LHA 6) - August 2020  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS America (LHA 6) - August 2020  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS America (LHA 6) - August 2020  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR), California - December 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Adak, Alaska - September 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Adak, Alaska - September 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Adak, Alaska - September 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Somerset (LPD 25) - September 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Somerset (LPD 25) - September 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington - June 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington - June 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington - June 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington - June 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - February 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2019  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - October 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - October 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), aboard USS Anchorage (LPD 23) - October 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), aboard USS Anchorage (LPD 23) - October 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Wasp (LHD 1) - September 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - August 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - August 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-166(REIN), embarked on USS Essex (LHD 2) - August 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Wasp (LHD 1) - April 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - January 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCAS Miramar, California - January 2018  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) - October 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - September 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - September 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) aboard USS Somerset (LPD 25) - July 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Ancon, Peru - July 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - May 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - May 2017  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) - October 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - October 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) - October 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) - September 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN), embarked on USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) - August 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Okinawa, Japan - July 2016  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) embarked on USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - October 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) embarked on USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - October 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-163(REIN), aboard USS San Diego (LPD 22) - October 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) embarked on USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - September 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of VMM-262(REIN) embarked on USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - September 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Landing Zone Phoenix, Okinawa, Japan - July 2014  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - December 2013  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - December 2013  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - December 2013  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - November 2013  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at ISAF Combat Outpost Shukvani, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - December 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at ISAF Combat Outpost Shukvani, Helmand Province, Afghanistan - December 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) over Helmand Province, Afghanistan  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of HMM-364(REIN) aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - October 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of HMM-364(REIN) aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - October 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of HMM-364(REIN), aboard USS Rushmore (LSD 47) - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of HMM-364(REIN), aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361), part of HMM-364(REIN), aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) part of HMM-364(REIN) - COMPTUEX - California - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) part of HMM-364(REIN) - COMPTUEX - California - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) part of HMM-364(REIN) - COMPTUEX - California - July 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - California - May 2012  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - November 2011  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) returning a disabled CH-47 Chinook to FOB Jalalabad, Afghanistan - December 2010  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) at MCB Camp Pendleton, California - September 2009  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) hooks an immobilized Army UH-60 Blackhawk - Al Anbar Province, Iraq - September 2006  CH-53E Super Stallion (HMH-361) - Okinawa, Japan - March 1999  CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - November 1981  CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-361) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - November 1981  CH-53D Sea Stallion (HMH-361) during Exercise Brave Shield XVI - July 1977  Sikorsky UH-34D (HMM-361) - Vietnam 1966  Sikorsky UH-34D (HMM-361) - 1965  UH-34 Seahorses from HMM-361 embarked on USS Valley Forge (LPH 8) - May 1964  UH-34 Seahorses from HMM-361 embarked on USS Valley Forge (LPH 8) - May 1964  Sikorsky UH-34D (HMM-361) -1962  Sikorsky HUS-1 Seahorse (HMR(L)-361) equipped with a HIDAL - the Helicopter Insecticide Dispersing Apparatus Liquid. The anti-insect equipment consisted of a pair of spray booms which extended 7.62 m on each side of the helicopter’s fuselage. At MCAS El Toro, Marine Aircraft Group 36 equipped one of its helicopters with the apparatus to combat insects through the aerial dispersal of sprays  Sikorsky HRS-1 (HMR-361) over Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - 1953 |
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established as Marine Helicopter
Transport Squadron 361 (HMR-361) on February 25, 1952 HMR-361 redesignated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 361 (HMR(L)-361) on December 31, 1956 HMR(L)-361 redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMM-361) on February 1, 1962 HMM-361 deactivated on May 18, 1968 reactivated as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) on June 3, 1968 part of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) The Flying Tigers were initially commissioned as Marine Transport Squadron 361 on 25 February 1952 at what was then MCAS (h) Santa Ana, California. The Flying Tigers began their legacy attached to the only helicopter group in the Marine Corps, Marine Air Group (HR) - 16. At that time, the squadron consisted of only three OY-2 and one HRS-2 helicopters located at MCAS El Toro. The original mission of the squadron was to train for and improve upon Amphibious Ship-to-Shore Tactics. An additional mission was training replacement pilots for duty in the Korean War. Shortly thereafter the squadron undertook its first major operation, to provide support for the atomic test exercise at Desert Rock, Nevada which is still the largest helicopter operation in history. Upon their return, HMR-361 was transferred to the newly established MAG (HR)-36 at MCAF Santa Ana in 1953. On 31 December 1956, the squadron was redesignated HMR (l)-361 and was began flying the HRS-3 helicopter. The Flying Tigers participated in two more atomic bomb testing exercises, beginning in June 1957 and February 1958. In September 1958, the squadron began flying the HUS-1 (more commonly recognized as the H-34) helicopter and in 1960 performed the first West Coast parachute drop for Marine Pathfinders from the HUS. On February 1, 1962, the Flying Tigers were re-designated HMM-361 according to a Marine Corps wide re-designation for all H-34 squadrons. The Flying Tigers deployed for the Cuban Missile Crisis on 27 October 1962 in support of the 5th MEF onboard the USS Iwo Jima. In June 1963, the Flying Tigers were deployed to Okinawa, Japan. The one-year deployment was cut short, however, when the squadron was transferred to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, as one of the first units in country, to participate in Operation Shufly. It was there that HMM-361 earned the nickname "Ross's Rice Runners", a distinction for which their Commanding Officer, LtCol Tom Ross, was selected by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) as the third ever Marine Aviator of the year. The squadron was rotated through Futenma, Okinawa and back to Santa Ana before returning to Da Nang in 1965. Upon the squadron’s return to the U.S., it was attached to MAG- 26 at MCAF New River, NC. It was there that the squadron transitioned to the CH-53A helicopter and was re-designated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron, HMH-361. They were again ordered to Vietnam with Marine Aircraft Group 36 at Phu Bai in 1969 and remained there until their return to the newly re-designated Marine Corps Air Station (H) Santa Ana, CA in 1970 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 56. HMH-361 received their first CH-53D helicopter in 1977, and on 1 June 1979 was the first squadron to deploy overseas as part of the new Unit Deployment Program, completing its first six month WestPac deployment on 3 December 1979. In October 1984 the squadron became the first 3D MAW helicopter squadron to train under the squadron training exercise and employment plan. Finishing this training in May 1985, HMH-361 attained the highest Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System (MCCRES) grade to date for a rotary wing squadron. During the squadron's ensuing six WestPac deployments under the UDP, HMH-361 accomplished the first over water flight to NAS Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines. While in the Philippines in 1989 during a UDP deployment, the Flying Tigers completed the first night Rapid Ground Refueling (RGR) mission on night vision goggles, which included a 750 mile round trip from Cubi Point to Basco Island under complete radio silence. HMH-361 began its conversion to the CH-53E Super Stallion on 23 August 1990. On 5 November 1992, the FLYING TIGERS deployed to Okinawa as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the 31st MEU (SOC), the first MEU to utilize a CH-53E squadron as the nucleus. Here they were joined by detachments of CH-46E's from HMM-262, AH-1W's, and UH-1N's from HMLA-267, and AV-8B's from VMA-311 to become HMH-361 (REIN), the first CH-53E composite squadron in history. The FLYING TIGERS again made history in November of 1994 when they were quadruple sited while on their tenth deployment to Okinawa. Detachments were sent to the 13th and 31st MEU's, the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground task force in support of Operation United Shield while the main body remained on Okinawa. In August of 1995, the Flying Tigers were awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Keith B. McCutcheon award as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year and in June 1996 were awarded the 1995 CNO Aviation Association Safety Award. In November 1996, HMH-361 once again deployed under the UDP to Okinawa while supporting detachments to the 11th and 31st MEU's. The main body supported Presidential lift requirements in the Philippines, 1st MAW and III MEF exercises in Japan and joint exercises with Republic of Korea forces in Pohang, South Korea. After returning from Okinawa and reintegrating its MEU detachments in May of 1997, HMH-361 assumed the Alert Contingency Marine air-ground task force (ACM) status. Once again the Flying Tigers were awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Keith B. McCutcheon award as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year. The squadron also supported HMX-1 and the President of the United States, transporting three CH-53E's to San Carlos de Barioche, Argentina, aboard Air Force C-5 aircraft. As 1998 approached, the squadron had to source two aircraft and one half of a normal MEU detachment to stand up an "interim" CH-53E MEU detachment for the 15th MEU. After sourcing a detachment for the 13th MEU and completing the normal pre-deployment training, HMH-361 once again deployed to Okinawa. Less than a week after arrival, the squadron chopped its detachment to the 31st MEU, which immediately sailed for the Persian Gulf. The day after chopping the MEU detachment, the squadron sent a four aircraft detachment to Tokyo, Japan in support of HMX-1 and President Clinton. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, elements of HMH-361 joined the 15th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units to seize Forward Operating Base Rhino in support of Task Force 58. For the last 12 years, the Flying Tigers have completed numerous deployments sustaining heavy lift and assault support operations in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2013, the Marine Corps Aviation Association announced HMH-361 as the recipient of the Keith B. McCutcheon Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year award. source: USMC - - - - - another history: Early years: HMH-361 was initially commissioned as Marine Transport Squadron 361 on February 25, 1952 at what was then Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California. The "Flying Tigers" were attached to the only helicopter group in the Marine Corps, Marine Air Group (HR) - 16. At that time, the squadron consisted of only three OY-2 and one HRS-2 helicopters located at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The original mission of the squadron was to train for and improve upon amphibious ship-to-shore tactics. An additional mission was training replacement pilots for duty in the Korean War. Shortly thereafter the squadron undertook its first major operation, to provide support for the atomic test exercise at Desert Rock, Nevada which is still the largest helicopter operation in history. Upon their return, HMR-361 was transferred to the newly established MAG (HR)-36 at MCAF Santa Ana in 1953. On December 31, 1956, the squadron was redesignated HMR(L)-361 and was now flying the HRS-3 helicopter. The Flying Tigers participated in two more atomic bomb testing exercises, beginning in June 1957 and February 1958. In September 1958, the squadron began flying the H-34 helicopter and in 1960 performed the first West Coast parachute drop for Marine Pathfinders from the H-34. On February 1, 1962, the Flying Tigers were redesignated HMM-361 according to a Marine Corps wide redesignation for all H-34 squadrons. HMM-361 deployed for the Cuban Missile Crisis on October 27, 1962, in support of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Force onboard the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2). Vietnam War: In June 1963, the Flying Tigers were deployed to Okinawa, Japan. The one-year deployment was cut short, however, when the squadron was transferred to Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, as one of the first units in-country, to participate in Operation Shufly. It was there that HMM-361 earned the nickname "Ross's Rice Runners", after their commanding officer, LtCol Tom Ross. On August 12, 1965, the squadron conducted the first nighttime helicopter assault by Marines during the war when they lifted 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines into a landing zone 10 miles northwest of Da Nang during Operation Midnight. On September 3, 1967, HMM-361 had 17 of its aircraft destroyed by enemy artillery while they were parked at Đông Hà Combat Base. This incident would lead to their transfer south to the Marble Mountain Air Facility. The squadron served in Vietnam until being transferred back to the U.S. and attached to Marine Aircraft Group 26 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. It was there that the squadron transitioned to the CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopter and was redesignated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron, HMH-361. They were again ordered to Vietnam with Marine Aircraft Group 36 at Phu Bai Combat Base in 1969 and remained there until their return to the newly redesignated Marine Corps Air Station (H) Santa Ana, CA in 1970 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 16. Postwar and the 1980s: HMH-361 received their first CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter in 1977, and on June 1, 1979, made their first squadron to deploy overseas as part of the new Unit Deployment Program, completing the first of twelve, six-month WestPac deployments on December 3, 1979. In October 1984 the squadron became the first 3rd MAW helicopter squadron to train under the squadron training exercise and employment plan. Finishing this training in May 1985, HMH-361 attained the highest Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System (MCCRES) grade to date for a rotary wing squadron. During the squadron's ensuing six WestPac deployments under the UDP, HMH-361 accomplished the first overwater flight to NAS Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines. The 1990s: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 began conversion to the CH-53E Super Stallion on August 23, 1990. On November 5, 1992, the Flying Tigers deployed to Okinawa as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the first MEU to utilize a CH-53E squadron as the nucleus. Here they were joined by detachments of CH-46E's from HMM-262, AH-1W's, and UH-1N's from HMLA-267, and AV-8B's from VMA-311 to become HMH-361 (REIN), the first CH-53E composite squadron in history. The Flying Tigers again made history in November 1994 when they were quadruple sited while on their tenth deployment to Okinawa. Detachments were sent to the 13th and 31st MEU's, the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground task force in support of Operation United Shield while the main body remained on Okinawa. In August 1995, the Flying Tigers were awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Keith B McCutcheon award as Marine Heavy Helicopter squadron of the year and in June 1996 were awarded the 1995 CNO Aviation Association Safety Award. After returning from Okinawa and reintegrating its MEU detachments in May 1997, HMH-361 assumed the Alert Contingency Marine air-ground task force (ACM) status. Once again the Flying Tigers were awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Keith B McCutcheon award as Marine Heavy Helicopter squadron of the year. The squadron also supported HMX-1 and the President of the United States, transporting three CH-53E's to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, aboard Air Force C-5 Galaxy aircraft. Global War on Terror: On January 26, 2005, a CH-53E Super Stallion from the unit crashed near Ar Rutbah, Iraq killing all 31 service members on board. In October 2008 HMH-361 deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based out of Al Asad Air Base, the squadron was responsible for multiple assault support missions and sorties, as well as delivery of troops, supplies, weapons support, and even delivery of troop mail. The squadron also carried out Angel Flight missions and (QRF) or Quick Reaction Force. The squadron maintained a combat readiness above 95% during the deployment and was later awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its distinguished efforts while in the theater. The unit returned home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in late May 2008 (advanced party) and early June 2008 (main body). In February 2009, HMH-361 deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operating out of Al Asad Air Base, the squadron was responsible for multiple assault support missions and sorties, as well as delivery of troops, supplies, weapons support, and even delivery of troop mail. The squadron also carried out Angel Flight missions, MAGTF Support/Raid Missions, and (QRF) or Quick Reaction Force. The squadron maintained a combat readiness above 93% during the deployment and was later awarded another Meritorious Unit Citation for its distinguished efforts while in the theater. The unit returned home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA in late July 2009 (advanced party) and early September 2009 (main body). In August 2010 HMH-361 deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They are based at Camp Leatherneck and returned to the States in early 2011. In August 2012 HMH-361 again deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where they took part in fending off a Taliban attack on the British Camp Bastion airfield on 14 September 2012. The squadron returned to the United States in February 2013. In April 2013, upon return from their deployment to Afghanistan, HMH-361 was announced as the recipient of the Keith B McCutcheon Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the year award. On 7 February 2024, a CH-53E of HMH-361 crashed in Pine Valley, California, about 44 miles east of San Diego. The aircraft was flying a training flight from Creech Air Force Base to MCAS Miramar. The aircraft was reported “overdue.” Upon investigation by search and rescue personnel, the five Marines aboard were reported to have been killed in the crash. source: wikipedia |
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