HMLA-169
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| Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 | |
|---|---|
 HMLA-169 Insignia |
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| Active | September 30, 1971 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Light/Attack squadron |
| Role | Close Air Support |
| Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 39 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton |
| Nickname | "Vipers" |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Restore Hope Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Phantom Fury |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1N Huey utility helicopters. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
Contents |
[edit] Mission
[edit] History
[edit] Vietnam War
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 was commissioned as Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, on September 30, 1971.
[edit] Post Vietnam Era
After returning from combat duty in Southeast Asia, the squadron received its first AH-1G Cobra. Through the 1970s, HMA-169 engaged in rigorous amphibious training at sea and combined exercises ashore. The 1980s brought increased operational commitments and a growing legacy of aviation safety milestones.
On October 1, 1986, the re-designated HMLA-169 received 12 UH-1N Hueys, increasing the Vipers' capabilities commensurate with the needs of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
[edit] Gulf War & the 90's
From December 1990 to June 1991, HMLA-169 embarked aboard the USS Tarawa in support of combat operations in Southwest Asia, and deployed ashore during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with MAG-50 at Tanajib, Saudi Arabia. From February 24 to March 4, 1991, the Vipers flew 234 combat sorties engaging enemy Iraqi forces without loss of aircraft or personnel.
Returning from the Kuwaiti theater, the squadron was routed to assist in humanitarian relief to flood ravaged Bangladesh as part of Operation Sea Angel. In May 1992, HMLA-169 supported local law enforcement during the Los Angeles riots, and again in 1993 conducted humanitarian relief and peace keeping operations in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope.
[edit] Global War on Terror
HMLA-169 sourced a detachment of 4 Cobras and 3 Hueys to the 15th Marine Expiditionary Unit (MEU), which was the among the first Marines into Afghanistan after 9/11. The squadron deployed to Iraq in late February 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMLA-169 deployed again in the summer of 2004 to support the second iteration of OIF. During this deployment they provided close air support in An Najaf and Al Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. The squadron is presently configured with 18 AH-1W SuperCobras and 9 UH-1N Hueys. HMLA-169 again deployed to Iraq in March of 2006 to provide close air support for the 1st Marine Division in Al Anbar province [1]. [2]
[edit] Awards
The squadron has been awarded:
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (two bronze stars)
- National Defense Service Medal (one bronze star)
