Stu Benger

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 (HMH-465), known as "Warhorse," was activated on December 1, 1981, at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. As the first West Coast squadron equipped with the CH-53E Super Stallion, HMH-465 has played a vital role in Marine Corps heavy-lift helicopter operations. The squadron has participated in numerous deployments and operations, including combat support during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the decades, HMH-465 has earned a reputation for excellence in supporting expeditionary missions, humanitarian assistance, and training exercises worldwide.

The Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a military training institution established to commission officers in various branches of the armed forces. Originating in the United States during World War I and expanding significantly during World War II, OCS was designed to quickly and effectively prepare enlisted personnel and civilians for leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, military tactics, and physical fitness, ensuring candidates are ready for the responsibilities of command. Today, OCS continues to serve as a vital pathway for commissioning officers, adapting its programs to meet the evolving needs of modern militaries.

Headquarters and Service Support Battalion (H&S SPTBN), The Basic School (TBS), Quantico, Virginia, serves as the backbone for the training and support of newly commissioned Marine Corps officers. Established to provide essential administrative, logistical, and operational support, H&S SPTBN ensures that TBS can efficiently conduct its mission of developing new leaders for the Marine Corps. Over the years, the battalion has evolved to meet the changing needs of Marine officer training, embracing modern technology and updated doctrine. Located at Marine Corps Base Quantico—known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps"—the unit continues to play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the United States Marine Corps.