Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269
HML/A-269
"Gunrunners"
Organized as the first USMC Attack Helicopter squadron, HML/A-269 has served in the Mediterranean, Lebanon and the Gulf War (ashore and afloat). During Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), the squadron flew missions in support of I MEF. Detachments have deployed with MEUs to the Balkans. Like sister squadron HML/A-167, HML/A-269 persists in using the "Light/Attack" designation.
LINEAGE
Activated 1 July 1971 at New River, NC, as
MARINE ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 269 (HMA-269).
Redesignated 1986 as MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 269
(HML/A-269).
UNIT HONORS
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
Iraq
2003
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1
bronze star
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 2 bronze
stars
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze
stars
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with 3? bronze
stars
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE STREAMER
- Nicknames: "Sea Cobras"; "Gunrunners"
- Aircraft: AH-1J/T/W; UH-1N
- ID Code: HF 1971-
- Squadron Web Page: HMLA-269