HMLA-773
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 | |
|---|---|
 HMLA-773 Insignia |
|
| Active | June, 1968 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Light/Attack squadron |
| Role | Close Air Support Assault Support Air interdiction Aerial Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 42 4th Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Atlanta |
| Nickname | "Red Dogs" |
| Motto | "Fit Via Vi" |
| Battles/wars | Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA-773) 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 Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia and is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 42 (MAG-42), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW).
[edit] History
HMLA-773's lineage began in June 1968 when then Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 765 (HMM-765) arrived at Naval Air Station Atlanta with a single Sikorsky UH-34D helicopter. The squadron grew rapidly and in July of 1971 transitioned from the UH-34 to the bell UH-1E "Huey" utility/gunship. The Squadron was re-designated Marine Light Helicopter Squadron-765 (HML-765). During this period, HML-765 was the lone Marine Helicopter Squadron selected to retain the Gunship mission. On July 1, 1976 the Squadron received its first single engine AH-1G Cobra and the Squadron was re-designated Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMA-773). In late 1978, HMA-773 transitioned to the twin engine AH-1J Sea Cobra which they operated for the next fourteen years.
In November 1990, HMA-773 was the first reserve helicopter squadron to be activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. While embarked aboard the USS New Orleans and USS Tripoli, the squadron distinguished itself with mine sweeping escort and combat missions during the war. In recognition of their exemplary performance during combat HMA-773 received the Navy Unit Commendation.
In the fall of 1992, the squadron received eight, state of the art AH-1W Super Cobras. In November of 1993, HMA-773 began receiving UH-1Ns and personnel from other disestablished units. In October 1994, HMA-773 reorganized and re-equipped with the addition of the UH-1N utility helicopter, pilots, and personnel from HML-776, NAS Glenview, Illinois. Having re-designated as a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, the squadron now mirrored the active duty HMLA structure and enabled rapid total force integration for current and future combat and contingency operations.
Since reorganizing, the "Red Dogs" of HMLA-773 have deployed on numerous counter narcotic operations throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and the West Indies. In May 1995 the Squadron deployed to the island nation of Antigua for the first in a series of "Weed eater" marijuana destruction missions. They have further developed their eradication tactics on the islands of St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Nassau, Bahamas. HMLA-773 counter-narcotics missions in the United States have included joint operations with the Army, Coast Guard and several US Law Enforcement Agencies in Kingsville, Texas, El Paso, Texas, Naco, Arizona, Palm Beach, Florida, and El Centro, California. In the space of two years, the Red Dogs aided in the destruction of over $20 billion worth of illegal narcotics.
In 2002, HMLA-773 and HMLA-773 Det A based at NAS Belle Chasse, Louisiana, combined in order to form one complete HMLA squadron that was capable of fulfilling any assigned HMLA mission in the Marine Corps. The current squadron organization is structured to maintain 2/3 of the squadron at NAS Atlanta and 1/3 of the squadron at NAS Belle Chasse.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, HMLA-773 postured for participation in the Global War on Terror. The squadron activated in October 2003 and deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, for further deployment along the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since Oct 03, the Red Dogs have been flying combat missions in support of Combined Joint Task Force 180/76. In addition, the Red Dogs have instituted Operation Red Dog, in which the Marines and Sailors of the unit gather school supplies and other humanitarian items and distribute them to the local population.
After 18 months of continuous combat operations in Afghanistan, the squadron deployed to Camp Pendleton, CA in support of Revised Combined Arms Exercise (RCAX) to assist in the preparation of ground forces for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. During this time, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, the home to many of the Marines of HMLA-773. The squadron was one of the first military units to arrive in the city for rescue and relief operations.
Beginning in October 2005, the reserve Marines of HMLA-773 began to demobilize and return to civilian life. As of February 2006, HMLA-773 had returned to the status of drilling reserve unit.
