About this Unit
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466), known as the "Wolfpack," was activated on November 30, 1984 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. The squadron operates the CH-53E Super Stallion, providing heavy-lift assault support for the United States Marine Corps. HMH-466 has deployed in support of major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Over the years, the Wolfpack has earned a reputation for operational excellence and safety, becoming one of the premier heavy helicopter squadrons in the Marine Corps.
Historical Facts
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Nickname - "Wolfpack": HMH-466 is famously known as the "Wolfpack," a moniker that highlights their unit pride and esprit de corps.
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Established in 1984: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) was activated on November 30, 1984, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Tustin, California.
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CH-53E Super Stallion Operators: The unit flies the CH-53E Super Stallion, the Marine Corps’ largest and heaviest helicopter, renowned for its heavy-lift capabilities.
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First to 30,000 Flight Hours: In 1997, HMH-466 became the first CH-53E squadron to achieve 30,000 mishap-free flight hours, setting a new standard for safety and professionalism.
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Gulf War Service: The "Wolfpack" deployed to Saudi Arabia and participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing crucial heavy-lift support.
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Global Deployments: HMH-466 has deployed to locations worldwide, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan, and the Philippines, supporting combat and humanitarian missions.
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Humanitarian Assistance: The squadron has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief operations after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and typhoon relief in the Philippines.
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Relocation to Miramar: In 1999, HMH-466 relocated from MCAS Tustin to MCAS Miramar, California, as part of the Marine Corps' base realignment.
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Support for Marine Expeditionary Units: The squadron frequently supports Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), providing heavy-lift and transport capabilities for rapid response missions.
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Pioneers in Maintenance: HMH-466 has been recognized multiple times for maintenance excellence, including winning the Secretary of Defense Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence in 2012.
