About this Unit
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), known as the "Scarface," was originally activated during World War II in 1943 as VMO-3. The unit saw extensive combat in the Pacific, including campaigns at Bougainville and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, HMLA-367 provided critical close air support and assault support missions, pioneering the use of the AH-1 Cobra gunship in combat. In recent decades, the squadron has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, continually demonstrating versatility and excellence in attack helicopter operations.
Historical Facts
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Nickname "Scarface": HMLA-367 is famously known by the callsign and nickname "Scarface," a moniker that dates back to its early days in the Vietnam War.
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Vietnam War Origins: The squadron was originally activated as VMO-3 (Marine Observation Squadron 3) in 1944, but it became HMLA-367 in 1966 during the Vietnam War, where it earned its reputation for aggressive close air support.
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First to Fly the AH-1G Cobra: HMLA-367 was the first Marine Corps squadron to fly the AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter in combat, pioneering the use of dedicated gunships in the Marine Corps.
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Presidential Unit Citations: The squadron received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for its actions in Vietnam, acknowledging extraordinary heroism in combat.
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Return to Combat in the Middle East: After Vietnam, HMLA-367 deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm (1991) and later supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Multi-role Capabilities: As a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron, HMLA-367 operated both attack helicopters (AH-1W/Z Cobra) and utility helicopters (UH-1N/Y Huey), providing both firepower and transport capabilities.
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Expeditionary Deployments: HMLA-367 participated in numerous Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments, supporting crisis response and amphibious operations worldwide.
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Home Bases: The unit has been based at several locations, including Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma in Okinawa, Japan; MCAS Camp Pendleton, California; and MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
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Deactivation and Legacy: HMLA-367 was deactivated on April 16, 2022, as part of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 restructuring, but its legacy and traditions continue to influence Marine aviation.
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Distinctive Scarface Logo: The squadron's logo features a menacing skull with a scar, symbolizing its tenacious fighting spirit—a symbol recognized across the Marine Corps.
