Helicopter Squadron 262

• Nickname – “Flying Tigers”: Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (VMM-262), formerly HMM-262, is famously known as the “Flying Tigers,” a moniker with deep historical and symbolic significance within Marine Corps aviation. • Establishment: The squadron was first activated on September 1, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, making it one of the Marine Corps' longstanding helicopter squadrons. • Vietnam War Service: HMM-262 deployed to South Vietnam in 1966, where they conducted intense combat support missions, including medevac, resupply, and troop insertion/extraction under fire. • Operation Frequent Wind: The squadron participated in the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, one of the largest helicopter evacuations in history. • Transition to Ospreys: In 2013, the squadron transitioned from the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, significantly expanding its range, speed, and mission capabilities. • Humanitarian Missions: VMM-262 has played a vital role in disaster relief, including Operation Tomodachi (Japan, 2011) following the earthquake and tsunami, and Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines (2013). • Forward Deployed: The squadron is permanently forward-deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, as part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, providing rapid-response capability in the Asia-Pacific region. • Distinguished Unit Awards: Over its history, the squadron has received multiple awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation for extraordinary heroism and performance. • Multinational Exercises: VMM-262 regularly participates in joint and multinational exercises such as Cobra Gold in Thailand, Balikatan in the Philippines, and Talisman Sabre in Australia, enhancing interoperability with allied forces. • Squadron Insignia and Heritage: The squadron’s emblem features a tiger and helicopter rotors, symbolizing strength, agility, and aviation prowess; its heritage and traditions are celebrated annually at reunions and Marine Corps balls.