VMO 3 267 camp pendleton ca

• Origins: VMO-3 (Marine Observation Squadron 3) was originally activated during World War II, on January 1, 1944, at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii. • Korean War Service: The squadron was reactivated in 1951 for the Korean War, providing aerial observation, artillery spotting, and reconnaissance in support of Marine ground forces. • Vietnam War Deployment: VMO-3 was one of the first Marine squadrons to deploy to Vietnam, arriving in Da Nang in 1965 and supporting operations such as Starlite and Harvest Moon. • Aircraft Flown: Over its history, VMO-3 operated several aircraft types, including the OY-1 Grasshopper, the UH-1E Huey helicopter, and the OV-10 Bronco. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the “Eyes of the Tiger,” reflecting its reconnaissance and observation mission. • Home at Camp Pendleton: After Vietnam, VMO-3 was based at Camp Pendleton, California, where it continued to train and support Marine operations. • Role in Operation Frequent Wind: VMO-3 played a supporting role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, providing reconnaissance and coordination. • Unit Redesignation: In 1982, VMO-3 was redesignated as HMLA-267 (“Stingers”), reflecting a change in mission from observation to light attack helicopter operations. • Decorations: The squadron earned multiple unit awards, including Presidential Unit Citations for its service in Vietnam. • Legacy: Although VMO-3 as a designation no longer exists, its legacy continues through HMLA-267 at Camp Pendleton, which traces its lineage back to the original VMO-3.