HMM-162

• Founding and Nickname: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), known as the "Golden Eagles," was commissioned on June 30, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Facility, Santa Ana, California. • Korean War Origins: Although formed during the Korean War era, HMM-162 did not deploy to Korea but was integral in developing USMC helicopter assault tactics. • First Helicopter Assault in Combat: HMM-162 made history during the 1958 Lebanon crisis by executing the first-ever helicopter-borne assault from the sea in combat, landing Marines at Beirut. • Vietnam War Service: The squadron deployed to Vietnam multiple times, beginning in 1965, providing troop transport, medical evacuations, and resupply missions. • Apollo Space Capsule Recovery: In October 1968, HMM-162 participated in the recovery of the Apollo 7 space capsule after its splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. • Aircraft Evolution: The squadron operated a variety of helicopters over its history, including the HRS-1, UH-34D, CH-46 Sea Knight, and eventually transitioned to the MV-22B Osprey before deactivation. • Humanitarian Missions: HMM-162 conducted numerous humanitarian operations, such as disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. • Global Deployments: The unit participated in operations across the globe, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa, supporting both combat and peacekeeping operations. • Decommissioning: HMM-162 was redesignated as VMM-162 in 2011 upon transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing the "Golden Eagles" legacy. • Motto and Emblem: The squadron's motto was "Pride of the Fleet," and its emblem featured a golden eagle clutching lightning bolts, symbolizing speed and striking power.