HMM-164

• Formation and Early Days: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) was activated on July 1, 1964, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, to provide medium-lift helicopter support. • Vietnam War Service: HMM-164 was rapidly deployed to Vietnam in 1966, operating CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and playing a crucial role in troop transport, medevac, and supply missions throughout the conflict. • Nickname “Knightriders”: The squadron was known as the “Knightriders,” a nickname derived from their primary aircraft, the CH-46 Sea Knight, and their steadfast support of Marine ground operations. • Presidential Helicopter Missions: In 1967, HMM-164 was selected to provide helicopter support for President Lyndon B. Johnson during his visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. • First “All-Black” Helicopter: HMM-164 became famous for operating “Lady Ace 09,” the first all-black painted helicopter used for night operations during the Vietnam War. • Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, HMM-164 participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, rescuing U.S. and Vietnamese personnel as North Vietnamese forces captured the city. • Post-Vietnam Deployments: After Vietnam, HMM-164 continued to serve in major exercises and deployments throughout the Western Pacific, including multiple deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). • Gulf War Participation: HMM-164 supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing combat assault and logistical support to coalition forces in the Middle East. • Humanitarian Missions: The squadron was involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Philippines and Bangladesh following typhoons and cyclones. • Deactivation and Legacy: HMM-164 was deactivated on June 30, 2015, as part of the Marine Corps’ transition to the MV-22 Osprey, but its legacy of valor and innovation continues to inspire Marine aviation.