About this Unit
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363), known as the "Lucky Red Lions," was originally activated in 1952. The squadron has a distinguished history of supporting Marine Corps operations, including combat service in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. HMH-363 operates heavy-lift helicopters, most recently the CH-53E Super Stallion, providing assault support, troop transport, and logistical resupply. Over the decades, the squadron has earned numerous awards for its operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in Marine Corps aviation.
Historical Facts
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Nickname "Lucky Red Lions": HMH-363 is affectionately known as the "Lucky Red Lions," a nickname that reflects both its mascot and its reputation for success and resilience.
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Origins in 1952: The squadron was commissioned on June 2, 1952, at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California, originally as HMR-363 (Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 363).
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Vietnam War Service: HMH-363 saw significant combat action in the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. Marines with troop transport, resupply, and medevac missions.
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Transition to Heavy Helicopters: In 1965, the squadron transitioned from the HUS-1 (UH-34) to the CH-53A Sea Stallion, becoming a heavy helicopter squadron and changing their designation to HMH-363.
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Gulf War Participation: The Red Lions played a vital role in Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing heavy lift capabilities for Marines in the Persian Gulf.
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Humanitarian Missions: HMH-363 participated in numerous humanitarian operations, including relief efforts after Hurricane Iniki struck Hawaii in 1992.
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Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan: The squadron supported combat and logistics operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.
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Move to Hawaii: In 1996, HMH-363 was relocated from California to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where it continues its tradition of excellence.
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Transition to CH-53E Super Stallion: In the mid-1990s, the squadron upgraded to the more capable CH-53E Super Stallion, expanding its heavy lift and mission capabilities.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: HMH-363 was deactivated in 2012 as part of force restructuring, but was reactivated in 2018 at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, continuing its distinguished service.
