Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773
HMLA-773
"Red Dogs"
HMLA-773 has had a long and varied career since its activation in 1958. Originally designated HMR-773, the squadron was redesignated HMM-773 in April 1962, then deactivated in September. In 1968, a new HMM-773 was formed at Los Alamitos, CA, from HMM-764, Wing B. After existing for 16 months, the squadron was again deactivated and its personnel returned to HMM-764.
In 1971, the squadron was reformed at El Toro, CA, as HMA-773. The new squadron was the first Attack Helicopter squadron in the Reserve, and was equipped with AH-1G "Cobras". HMA-773 relocated to Atlanta, GA in 1976. In 1990, HMA-773 was placed on active status and deployed to the Persian Gulf with MAG-50. Following the Gulf War, the squadron was reorganized and became a Light Attack Helicopter Squadron, equipped with the AH-1W "Super Cobra" and the UH-1N "Huey". As part of the Global War on Terrorism, HMLA-773 has been activated and has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lineage
Activated 2 September 1958 at Grosse Ile, MI,
as MARINE HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 773 (HMR-773).
Redesignated 1 April 1962 as MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON
773 (HMM-773).
Deactivated 31 August 1962.
Reactivated 15 April 1968 at Los Alamitos, CA.
Deactivated 31 August 1969.
Reactivated 1 September 1971 at El Toro, CA, as MARINE ATTACK
HELICOPTER SQUADRON 773 (HMA-773).
Redesignated October 1994 as MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER
SQUADRON 773 (HMLA-773).
Unit Honors
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
STREAMER
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze
stars
Nicknames: "Sea Cobras";
"Red Dogs"
ID Code: 7Y 1958-62*; 7L 1968;
5L 1968-69*, 71-72; MP
1972-
* Station Codes: 7Y - Grosse Ile, MI; 7L - Los Alamitos; 5L - Los
Alamitos/El Toro, CA
Aircraft: HSS (SH-34); UH-34D; AH-1G/J/W;
UH-1N
Squadron Web Page: HMLA-773