HMM-265

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MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 265
HMM-265
"Dragons"

HMM-265 was activated 30 September 1962 at New River, NC, and assigned to MAG-26. THe squadron was initially assigned UH-34Ds, but began transitioning to the CH-46A in June 1964.


In April 1966, HMM-265 deployed to Da Nang, South Vietnam and began operations with MAG-16. While in Vietnam. The "Dragons" participated in several operations, including MACON, PRAIRIE, BEAR CHAIN/FREMONT, BEACON GUIDE, KANGAROO KICK, BEACON GATE, COCHISE.


During September 1967, all CH-46s were grounded after several aircraft lost tail pylons in flight. All CH-46 squadrons in Vietnam had to send their aircraft to Okinawa for inspection and modification. HMM-265 was back in combat by December.


By 1969, HMM-265 had begun flying the more powerful CH-46D. Further operations included BOLD PURSUIT, MIGHTY PLAY, and DEFIANT STAND.

After three years of combat in Vietnam, HMM-265 was transferred to MCAS Santa Ana and joined MAG-56. HMM-265 was deactivated 14 Nov 1970.


HMM-265 was reactivated 1 September 1977 at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and assigned to MAG-24. Starting in 1983, the "Dragons" began making WestPac deployments, operating from USS New Orleans in 1983 and USS Belleau Wood in 1984. The "Dragons" were the first HMM to have AV-8 "Harriers" attached during a deployment. In 1985 HMM-265 became the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to participate in the Unit Deployment Program, moving to Okinawa for six-month deployments.


During 1990-91, HMM-265 was attached to MAG-50, participating in the first Gulf War, and later Operation Sea Angel. the humanitarian relief effort in Bangladesh in 1991. The move to Okinawa became permanent in 1995. Since then, the "Dragons" have participated in numerous exercises in the Western Pacific, as well as alternating duty with HMM-262 as the Aviation Combat Element of the 31st MEU.

LINEAGE

1962 - 1970

Activated 30 September 1962 at New River, North Carolina, as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing.

Deployed during April - May 1966 to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Participated in the war in Vietnam, May 1966 - October 1969, operating from
Da Nang
Marble Mountain
USS Iwo Jima
USS Tripoli

Relocated during October 1969 to Santa Ana, California, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 56, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing.

Deactivated 14 November 1970.

1977 - 2006

Reactivated 1 September 1977 at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Brigade.

Departed 1 July 1978 on Western Pacific deployment aboard USS New Orleans.

Departed 30 July 1979 on Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Tripoli.

Departed 27 October 1980 on Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Tarawa.


Departed 18 November 1981 on Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Tripoli.

Deployed 4 February 1985 to Okinawa under the Unit Deployment Program.

1st Marine Brigade redesignated 30 August 1985 as the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade.

Deployed on 4 February 1987 to Okinawa under the Unit Deployment Program.

1st Marine Amphibious Brigade redesignated 5 February 1988 as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Participated in Operation Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, January - February 1991.

Participated in Operation Sea Angel, Bangladesh, May 1991.

Relocated to Okinawa during 1994, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

From October 1999 to January 2000, participated in Operation Stabilize INTERFET (International Forces East Timor).

UNIT HONORS

PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
Vietnam
1966 - 1967
1967


JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER
Bangladesh
1991


NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
Southwest Asia
1990 - 1991


MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
1991 - 1993


NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars


VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with 1 silver and 4 bronze stars


SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars


VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY STREAMER with PALM


VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER


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