HMM-161

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161), known as the "Greyhawks," was activated on January 15, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. As the first helicopter transport squadron in the Marine Corps, HMM-161 pioneered vertical envelopment tactics during the Korean War, including the first combat helicopter assault at the Battle of the Punchbowl. The squadron later participated in operations during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, providing assault support and humanitarian assistance worldwide. HMM-161 was redesignated as VMM-161 in 2009, transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey and continuing its legacy of excellence in aviation support.