History of
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced)

On February 1, 1962, the squadron designation was changed to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262. The squadron participated in numerous amphibious and field exercises in the 1950's and early 1960's, molding and perfecting the helicopter doctrine utilized by the United States Marine Corps. This training was put into practice from April through June 1965 when HMM-262 participated in the Dominican Republic Intervention.

With the intensification of American involvement in the war in Vietnam, HMM-262 was deployed to Vietnam during December 1966 and subsequently re-assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron remained in Vietnam participating in numerous operations throughout the country from bases in Ky Ha, Marble Mountain, Quang Tri, Phu Bai and from aboard the USS Tripoli.

With the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, HMM-262 relocated to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii during 1971, being assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade. In June of that year, the squadron was awarded the Commandant's Aviation Efficiency Award for its accomplishments during the preceding year.

While stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, HMM-262 provided helicopter support to the 1st MAB, FMF, as well as being tasked with transportation of dignitaries during their visits to Hawaii. In December 1976, HMM-262 was designated as the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to deploy to the western Pacific as a composite squadron. The squadron deployed aboard the USS Tripoli on November 17 and remained the "Cutting Edge" of the 31st MAU for the next eight months.

HMM-262 continued to amass a number of "firsts" the next few years. In January 1979, the "Cutters" were awarded the highest grade ever achieved (96%) under the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System (MCCRES) for its efforts during the evaluation aboard the USS Belleau Wood. In March 1979, HMM-262, after joining a detachment of six AH-1J's, became the first helicopter squadron to deploy aboard the Navy's new class of amphibious assault ship, the USS Tarawa, LHA-1. during July 1979, HMM-262 scored another first by operating jointly off the same flight deck with a detachment of AV-8A Harriers.

On May 30, 1980, the Flying Tigers flew aboard the USS New Orleans (LPH-11) and joined a detachment of four AH-1T aircraft from HMA-169 to become fully composited. During the first two weeks afloat, the Flying Tigers performed the ship's 37,000th successful landing. After a stop in the Philippines, the squadron was tasked to conduct contingency operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf in response to the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran.

On September 4, 1980, the squadron arrived in Mombasa, Kenya, where they conducted a static display for Kenyan dignitaries and U.S. State Department Officials. The squadron left Mombasa and conducted an exercise now classified as secret.

The squadron departed on July 6, 1981, for the fourth WESTPAC deployment for the Flying Tigers aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3). After conducting an exercise in the Philippines, the Flying Tigers were again called to the Northern Arabian Gulf, this time to support Afghanistan contingency operations. At the conclusion, the squadron conducted a combined exercise with Kenyan forces off Mombasa, Kenya, and Joint/Combined Exercise Kangaroo IV with Australian forces in northeast Australia.

During March and April 1982, HMM-262 converted from CH-46F aircraft to CH-46E aircraft.

On July 2, 1982, the Flying Tigers launched 11 CH-46E's and were joined by the arrival of four CH-53D's and two UH-1N's to become the first helicopter squadron to composite while airborne. The squadron deployed aboard the USS Belleau Wood for its fifth WESTPAC deployment. During this deployment the squadron again sailed into the Indian Ocean and conducted a combined exercise in Oman. The unit also participated in the first visit of U.S. forces, conducting an amphibious exercise and a port visit, to Berbera, Somalia after the departure of Russian forces.

October 1982 saw the Flying Tigers participate in Valiant Usher 83-2 in Perth, Australia. The squadron transported over 2,200 passengers and half a million pounds of external cargo while flying 332 hours in four days.

On August 12, 1983, HMM-262 (Composite) received a combat readiness evaluation of 93%, the highest ever awarded to a deploying helicopter unit.

The Flying Tigers joined HMA-169 Detachment A, the final component of the HMM-262 team, aboard the USS Peleliu on Sept.. 19, 1983. They arrived at Iwo ima on Oct. 14 for Operation Beach Guard 83-1, a dual-pronged surface and air assault.

The Flying Tigers arrived in Pohang, ROK on Jan. 6, 1984, to participate in Valiant Usher 84-5KS. HMM-262 (C), serving as the Air Combat Element for the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit. In July, the Flying Tigers began gearing up for the last shipboard deployment for a Hawaiian-based unit, and on Aug. 24 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 detachments were joined.

In January 1985, the Flying Tigers took part in a goodwill operation, Operation Handclasp, while at Cubi Point; they transported 3,600 lbs. of books for needy children to Manila International Airport and 13,000 lbs. of material to a Philippines leper colony.

During June 1986, the Flying Tigers began preparation for joining the unit deployment program for rotation to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.

In August 1987, the Flying Tigers began the transition from the CH-46E to the CH-46E (SR&M).

On Aug. 3, 1988, the Flying Tigers once again deployed to the western Pacific in support of MAG-36 and 1st MAW. During this deployment, the squadron was designated as the Special Operations Capable Squadron for the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Flying Tigers boarded the USS Belleau Wood in March 1990 to become the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to deploy aboard ship since 1985. Exercises associated with the deployment included CAX 5-90 and RIMPAC 90. In August 1990, HMM-262 deployed to Okinawa, Japan on UDP and re-positioned its flag in September 1990 to NAS Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines, to become the ACE in support of MAGTF 4-90. the squadron participated in emergency flood/earthquake relief efforts and was extended overseas due to Operations Desert Shield/Storm. The squadron remained a force-in-readiness in the Philippines before returning to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on June 4, 1991.

On Sept. 12, 1992, the Flying Tigers once again embarked aboard the USS Belleau Wood and participated in Hurricane Iniki relief efforts on the island of Kauai. On Sept. 27, the squadron transferred its flag to MAG-36, 1st MAW, Okinawa, and commenced its transition from UDP to PCS status with WESTPAC to become the first permanently assigned HMM squadron in WESTPAC since 1978.

On May 24, 1993, HMM-262 (REINFORCED), augmented by its MACG and MWSG detachments, reported to the 31st MEU (SOC) for duty as its standing Aviation Combat Element. Two weeks later the squadron joined its HMH, HMLA, and VMA detachments. HMM-262 (REIN) deployed aboard the USS Belleau Wood as a fully composite ACE from July 11 to Sept. 27, 1993. During this period, the squadron participated in Tandem Thrust 93 in the Mariana Islands, a Special Operations Capable certification off the coast of Okinawa, and bilateral training in Singapore and Australia. On Oct. 6, 1993, HMM-262 (C) completed its first MEU (SOC) deployment cycle with the return of its detachments to their parent squadrons to prepare for the scheduled rotation of UDP squadrons.

On Nov. 15, 1993, HMM-262 (REIN) joined its new HMH detachment to commence its second MEU (SOC) cycle. On Dec. 15, 1993, the squadron joined its HMLA and VMA detachments to complete its compositing efforts. On Feb. 24, 1994, HMM-262 (REIN) became the first MEU (SOC ACE to composite twice with different aviation detachments and be successfully certified Special Operations Capable twice within a six month period. On Apr. 8, 1994, HMM-262 (REIN) returned its aviation detachments to their parent commands in support of the UDP squadron rotation cycle.

On Apr. 20, 1994, HMM-262 (REIN), with its MACG and MWSG detachments joined, remained assigned as the 31st MEU (SOC) ACE and in less than 30 days joined its next HMH, HMLA and VMA detachments to commence its third MEU (SOC) deployment cycle.

On July 19, 1994, HMM-262 (REIN) participated in the Suset Parade, multiple flyovers and static displays in support of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam.

On Aug. 26, 1994, HMM-262 (REIN) participated in the Japanese Obon dance Festival with the 101st Aviation Unit of the Japanese Self Defense Force, the unit's sister squadron.

During November 1994, HMM-262 (REIN) was kept busy fighting fires in the Central Training Area of Okinawa; from November 2 to 4, HMM-262 (REIN) dropped a total of 255,000 lbs. of water on the CTA brush fires.

January 1995 saw the Flying Tigers prepare for their fourth consecutive tour as the ACE of the 31st MEU (SOC) which began on March 31 when HMM-262 (REIN) embarked aboard the USS Belleau Wood for Blue/Green Water work ups and a SOC evaluation.

On Apr. 19, 1995, the 31st MEU was SOC certified with the Flying Tigers having become the first Marine Corps Squadron to successfully support a MEU for four consecutive SOC evaluations (24 months).

In June 1995, the Flying Tigers returned to MCAS Futenma to make preparations for standing down as the ACE of the 31st MEU. The first week of August saw the departure of VMA-211, HMH-361, HMLA-267, MACG-18, MWSS-172 and MALS-12, as the Flying Tigers stood down and returned to MAG-36 as the group's standing HMM squadron.

On Oct. 16, 1995, HMM-262, as the ACE for SPMFTF FOAL EAGLE, embarked Detachment A aboard the USS Dubuque and deployed to the Republic of Korea.

At the same time the squadron flew Detachment V to Pohang to support VIP operations in conjunction with FOAL EAGLE 95. Detachment V was redesignated Dep P on Nov. 4, 1995 as they departed for MCAS Iwakuni and Yokota Air Base to support HMX-1 and President Clinton's visit to mainland Japan. When President Clinton's visit was cancelled, Detachment P returned to Okinawa on Nov. 22, 1995.

In 1996, HMM-262 began preparation for cobra Gold 96 and the Combined Afloat Readiness and Training cruise. Detachment B embarked aboard the USS Fort McHenry in April 1996 for Thailand to participate in Cobra Gold becoming the first squadron to embark five helicopters on an LSD-41 class ship. A week later Detachment A embarked aboard the USS Germantown to participate in CARAT.

Detachment B conducted dual site operations in Utaphao and Narathiwat. While ashore, the squadron certified the first ever TERF/NVG routes in southern Thailand and flew two 500 mile cross country deployments to support the exercise. On June 7, 1996, Detachment B returned to Okinawa, having flown numerous VIP missions and frags in support of U.S. and Thai Marines in Utaphao and Narathiwat.

On July 19, 1996, Detachment A returned from CARAT, having conducted combined operations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, including an NVG airfield seizure in Singapore.

August 1996 was devoted to preparing for exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 96 in South Korea. Six CH-46E's completed the eight hundred mile cross country flight to Pohang, ROK. At Camp Humphreys, ROK, on Sept. 1, 1996, HMM-262 celebrated its 45th birthday anniversary with a formation, cake, liberty and a picnic and softball game.