HMM-165

• Origin and Activation: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165) was activated on July 1, 1965, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, as part of the rapid expansion of Marine aviation during the Vietnam War. • Nickname – The "White Knights": The squadron is famously known as the "White Knights," a name that reflects their commitment to honor, courage, and service. • First Combat Deployment: HMM-165 first deployed to Vietnam in January 1966 and played a crucial role in troop insertions, medevac, and resupply missions throughout the conflict. • CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters: The squadron's primary aircraft for much of its history was the Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight, a tandem-rotor medium-lift helicopter. • Distinguished Service in Vietnam: HMM-165 participated in significant operations such as Operation Hastings, Operation Prairie, and Operation Dewey Canyon, earning numerous unit citations for bravery and effectiveness. • Evacuation of Saigon: In April 1975, HMM-165 played a key role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon—the largest helicopter evacuation in history. • Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in several humanitarian operations, including disaster relief in the Philippines (typhoons) and support operations in Bangladesh and Indonesia. • Gulf War and Beyond: HMM-165 was deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing combat and logistical support to coalition forces. • Global War on Terror: The squadron supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting troop transport, casualty evacuation, and supply missions under difficult combat conditions. • Transition to MV-22 Osprey: In 2011, HMM-165 was re-designated as VMM-165 upon transition to the Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing its legacy of rapid response and versatility as an air assault unit.