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HMM-162

11 members•1 unit

HMM-162 Homepage Photos Members

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U.S. Marine Corps

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About HMM-162

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), known as the "Golden Eagles," was commissioned on June 30, 1951. The squadron has a distinguished history, including participation in the 1958 Lebanon crisis, where it executed the first ship-to-shore helicopter assault in combat. Over the decades, HMM-162 supported operations in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. The squadron was later redesignated as VMM-162 after transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey, continuing its legacy of providing assault support for the United States Marine Corps.

About HMM-162

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Founding and Nickname: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), known as the "Golden Eagles," was commissioned on June 30, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility, Santa Ana, California.
Korean War Origins: Although formed during the Korean War era, HMM-162 did not deploy to Korea but was integral in developing USMC helicopter assault tactics.
First Helicopter Assault in Combat: HMM-162 made history during the 1958 Lebanon crisis by executing the first-ever helicopter-borne assault from the sea in combat, landing Marines at Beirut.
Vietnam War Service: The squadron deployed to Vietnam multiple times, beginning in 1965, providing troop transport, medical evacuations, and resupply missions.
Apollo Space Capsule Recovery: In October 1968, HMM-162 participated in the recovery of the Apollo 7 space capsule after its splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.
Aircraft Evolution: The squadron operated a variety of helicopters over its history, including the HRS-1, UH-34D, CH-46 Sea Knight, and eventually transitioned to the MV-22B Osprey before deactivation.
Humanitarian Missions: HMM-162 conducted numerous humanitarian operations, such as disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Global Deployments: The unit participated in operations across the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa, supporting both combat and peacekeeping operations.
Decommissioning: HMM-162 was redesignated as VMM-162 in 2011 upon transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing the "Golden Eagles" legacy.
Motto and Emblem: The squadron's motto was "Pride of the Fleet," and its emblem featured a golden eagle clutching lightning bolts, symbolizing speed and striking power.

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HMM-162

11 members•1 unit

HMM-162 Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the HMM-162?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the HMM-162?

Do you have HMM-162 photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the HMM-162.

Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About HMM-162

Photos

1980

3rd FSSG • U.S. Marine Corps • 1980

BELLEAU WOODS

3BN 2nd marine Reg. 2nd mar div Lima co • U.S. Marine Corps • 2024

U.S. Marine Corps • 2009

Marine Corps Birthday

VMFA-235 • U.S. Marine Corps

About HMM-162

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Founding and Nickname: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), known as the "Golden Eagles," was commissioned on June 30, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility, Santa Ana, California.
Korean War Origins: Although formed during the Korean War era, HMM-162 did not deploy to Korea but was integral in developing USMC helicopter assault tactics.
First Helicopter Assault in Combat: HMM-162 made history during the 1958 Lebanon crisis by executing the first-ever helicopter-borne assault from the sea in combat, landing Marines at Beirut.
Vietnam War Service: The squadron deployed to Vietnam multiple times, beginning in 1965, providing troop transport, medical evacuations, and resupply missions.
Apollo Space Capsule Recovery: In October 1968, HMM-162 participated in the recovery of the Apollo 7 space capsule after its splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.
Aircraft Evolution: The squadron operated a variety of helicopters over its history, including the HRS-1, UH-34D, CH-46 Sea Knight, and eventually transitioned to the MV-22B Osprey before deactivation.
Humanitarian Missions: HMM-162 conducted numerous humanitarian operations, such as disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Global Deployments: The unit participated in operations across the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa, supporting both combat and peacekeeping operations.
Decommissioning: HMM-162 was redesignated as VMM-162 in 2011 upon transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing the "Golden Eagles" legacy.
Motto and Emblem: The squadron's motto was "Pride of the Fleet," and its emblem featured a golden eagle clutching lightning bolts, symbolizing speed and striking power.