HMLA-169
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| Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 | |
|---|---|
 HMLA-169 Insignia |
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| Active | September 30, 1971 - present |
| 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" |
| Motto | "We Hate Each Other, But We Hate You More." |
| Tail Code | SN |
| Engagements | Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Restore Hope Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 invasion of Iraq * Battle of Najaf * Operation Phantom Fury |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LtCol Stephen A. Wenrich |
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 falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 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 (HMA-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. Shortly after that the squadron participated in the humanitarian assistance mission, Operation Fiery Vigil, after Mount Pinatubo erupted June 15, 1991. 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 Expeditionary Unit ( 15th 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 (OIF). During the 2003 invasion of Iraq 12 of the 18 AH-1Ws of the unit sustained battle damage[1] and on March 30, 2003 a UH-1N Huey crashed; killing three members onboard.[2] HMLA-169 deployed again in the summer of 2004 to support the second iteration of OIF. During this deployment they provided close air support during the Battle of Najaf and Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah. 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[3].[4]
[edit] Unit awards
A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited. Members of the unit who participated in said actions are allowed to wear on their uniforms the awarded unit citation. HMLA-169 has been presented with the following awards:
| Ribbon | Unit Award |
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Presidential Unit Citation one Bronze Star |
 |
Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
 |
Navy Unit Commendation |
 |
Meritorious Unit Commendation with two Bronze Stars |
 |
National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star |
 |
Iraq Campaign Medal |
 |
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
 |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Visconage & Harris: 120.
- ^ Incident Date 030330 HMLA-169 UH-1N #160620 / SN-39 - combat operations - southern Iraq
- ^ Cpl Teslevich, Jonathan K. (May 1, 2006). Vipers assume responsibility over Al Anbar skies. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
- ^ Cpl Teslevich, Jonathan K. (May 28, 2006). Viper's gunships escort Marine patrol in Karma. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2007-11-21.
[edit] References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from the United States Marine Corps.
- Bibliography
- Visconage, Michael D. & Harris, Carroll N. "Third Marine Aricraft Wing - Operation Iraqi Freedom". Marine Corps Association, 2004.
- Web
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