Marine Helicopter Squadron 1
HMX-1
"Nighthawks"
Since its activation in 1947, HMX-1 has evaluated every type of Marine helicopter, and has been instrumental in developing tactics and operational doctrines. The squadron also provides helicopter support for The Basic School and Officer Candidates School at Quantico, but is probably best known around the world as the Presidential helicopter squadron, a duty it has carried out since 1957.
LINEAGE
1947-1999
Activated 1 December 1947 at Quantico, Virginia, as Marine Helicopter Squadron
1.
Since its activation, has played a key role in the development, testing, and
evaluation of Marine Corps helicopters and related principles and tactics, and
since 1951 has functioned as the Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate
for future helicopter systems.
Beginning in 1957, has provided helicopter transportation for the President,
Vice-President, Cabinet members, Members of Congress, and foreign
dignitaries.
Since the early 1980s, has been instrumental ine the testing and evaluation of
the MV-22 Osprey, completing the first Operational Testing period in 1994.
UNIT HONORS
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER with 3 bronze
oak leaf clusters
1990
1992 - 1993
1993 - 1994
1994 - 1996
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
1981 - 1984
1982 - 1985
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 4 bronze stars
1969 - 1971
1971 - 1973
1976 - 1978
1993 - 1998
2001-2002
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 3 bronze stars
- Nicknames: "Nighthawks"
- ID Code*: XC 1947-56; XM 1956-59;
- MX 1959-
- Aircraft: HMX-1 has evaluated every helicopter in the Marine Corps inventory. It currently operates the VH-3D, VH-60A, VH-46E, VH-53E
- Squadron Web Page: HMX-1
* The ID code is not used on VIP aircraft.