HMH 462

• Unit Name and Nickname: HMH-462 is officially known as Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, and carries the nickname "Heavy Haulers." • Establishment: The squadron was originally activated on 15 April 1944 during World War II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. • WWII Service: During World War II, HMH-462 was designated as Marine Fighting Squadron 462 (VMF-462) and flew the F4U Corsair before being deactivated after the war. • Reactivation and Helicopter Era: The squadron was reactivated in 1958 as HMR(M)-462 (Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron) at MCAS Santa Ana, California, and transitioned to the heavy-lift role with the Sikorsky HR2S-1 (CH-37 Mojave). • Vietnam War Deployments: HMH-462 deployed to Vietnam in 1966, flying the CH-53A Sea Stallion, and participated in major operations including troop insertions, resupply, and medevac missions. • Operation Frequent Wind: Members of HMH-462 took part in the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, the largest helicopter evacuation in history, saving thousands during the fall of South Vietnam. • Humanitarian Missions: The squadron has participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including operations following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. • Aircraft: Over its history, HMH-462 has operated several heavy-lift helicopters, from the CH-37 Mojave to the CH-53E Super Stallion, the largest and heaviest helicopter in the US military. • Unit Awards: HMH-462 has earned multiple unit commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation for exemplary performance in combat and non-combat operations. • Current Status: Today, HMH-462 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and continues to provide heavy-lift support for the United States Marine Corps as part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.