HMLA-775
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| Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 | |
|---|---|
 Old HMA-775 Insignia |
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| Active | January 7, 1989 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Light/Attack squadron |
| Role | Close air support Assault support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 46 4th Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton |
| Nickname | Coyotes |
| Battles/wars | Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom * Operation Vigilant Resolve |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) is a reserve 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 46 (MAG-46), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW).
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Early years
In March of 1988, the first personnel and aircraft of what would eventually become Marine Aircraft Group 46 Detachment E, Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 began arriving at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
On January 7, 1989 the unit was commissioned as MAG-46 Det E, HMA-775, MALS-46 Det E became a compliment of eight 1968 model AH-1J's. This was the standup of the first Reserve Cobra Squadron on the west coast. The squadron became complaete with 12 vintage AH-IJ SeaCobra helicopters.
On December 1, 1990, HMA-775 and its 12 AH-1J Cobras, was activated for deployment to Southwest Asia. The unit deployed to Southwest Asia on January 5, 1991 and to Jubail, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The "Coyotes" participated in every major battle from Khafji to the final assault on Kuwait City, flying over 970 combat hours and accumulating 641 combat sorties. The squadron then remained in-country, in support of Operation Desert Comfort. By May 15, 1991 the final personnel and aircraft arrived back at Camp Pendleton.
In May of 1992 the squadron received the first eight of what would eventually total 12 AH-1W "Super Cobras". A flash flood struck the Air Station at Camp Pendleton in January of 1993. The aircraft and building spaces suffered severe damage. The first aircraft flew again on February 25th. By mid-April, the Squadron had moved into new temporary spaces and all aircraft were flying. During the July Change of Command, the "Coyotes" were awarded the Ensign Pierce Award for being the Marine Air Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the year in 1992.
In 1994 there were more milestones for The "Coyotes". On the 10th of May the Squadron moved into a new hangar - their first permanent home at Camp Pendleton. On June 18th, six UH-1N utility helicopters were added to inventory and on August 6, the "Coyotes" were officially redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, or more simply: HMLA-775 (-), thus becoming the first HMLA in the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing.
The Squadron functions in the same manner as that of its active duty counterparts minus deploying overseas. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA 775 also participates in Anti-drug operations in conjunction with Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West, FL, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Nassau, South America, California, and Jamaica.
[edit] Global War on Terror
HMLA-775 has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom two times. The first time was early 2004 where they flew in support of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. The bulk of their flying during this time was providing close air support in and around the city of Fallujah during Operation Vigilant Resolve and follow on operations. HMLA-775 redeployed to Iraq in early 2005 and continues to provide close air support for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.
The Detachment/squadron team functions in the same manner as that of its active duty counterparts minus deploying overseas. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA 775 also participates in Anti-drug operations in conjunction with Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West, FL, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Nassau, South America, California, and Jamaica.
