Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 776
HML-776
"Gangsters"
HML-776 was originally activated at Glenview, Illinois, in 1959, as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 776 (HMR-776). HMR-776 was the second helicopter squadron to form at Glenview; HMR-763 had been activated in April 1958. In April 1962, the squadron was redesignated HMM-776. Later that year, HMM-763 was deactivated and its personnel assigned to HMM-776. Another change in designation took place in 1972 when the squadron traded in its UH-34Ds for UH-1Es, and became HML-776.
In 1990, HML-776 was called to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and was deployed to Okinawa. In 1991, while assigned to MAG-36, HML-776 was sent to the Philippines to assist in relief operations following the eruption of Mount Pinautubo.
HML-776 returned to Glenview in 1991. In 1994, as part of the reorganization of Reserve units, HML-776 was deactivated. The squadron personnel and aircraft were transferred to Willow Grove, PA, and formed HMLA-773 Det A.
Lineage
1959 - 1978
Activated 1 April 1959 at Glenview, Illinois,
as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 776, US Marine Corps
Reserve.
Redesignated 1 April 1962 as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
776.
Assigned during September 1962 to Marine Aircraft Group 44, 4th
Marine Aircraft Wing.
Reassigned 1 February to Marine Aircraft Group 46.
Redesignated July 1972 as Marine Light Helicopter Squadron
776.
1979 - 1994
Reassigned during January 1979 to Marine Air
Control Group 48.
Mobilized during January 1991 in support of Operation Desert
Storm.
Deployed during February 1991 to Camp Pendleton, California.
Redeployed during March 1991 to Cubi Point, Republic of the
Philippines, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
Participated in Operation Fiery Vigil during June
1991.
Redeployed to Glenview, Illinois during October 1991.
Demobilized during December 1991, and reassigned to Marine Air
Control Group 48,
4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
Deactivated 1 July 1994.
Unit Honors
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
Southwest Asia
1990 - 1991
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with one bronze star
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER
- Nicknames: "Gangsters"
- ID Code: 7V* 1959-68; 5V*
1968-72; QL 1972-94
* Station Code: 7V/5V Glenview, IL - Aircraft: HUP(UH-25); UH-34D; UH-1E/N
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