HMM-261

• Origins: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) was activated on September 1, 1951, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. • Nickname: The squadron is famously known as the "Raging Bulls." • Suez Crisis: In 1956, HMM-261 deployed aboard the USS Lake Champlain to the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, providing support to the region. • First Combat Use of the H-34: HMM-261 was the first Marine squadron to fly the HUS-1 (later UH-34D) helicopter in combat during the Lebanon crisis of 1958. • Vietnam War: From 1964-1965, HMM-261 was deployed to Vietnam, participating in multiple combat operations and earning the Navy Unit Commendation. • Evacuation Operations: The squadron played key roles in operations such as "Operation Silver Wake" (evacuation of Albania, 1997) and "Operation Assured Response" (evacuation of Liberia, 1996). • Transition to Tiltrotor: In 2013, HMM-261 transitioned from the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, becoming VMM-261. • Humanitarian Assistance: The unit has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including operations in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. • Presidential Support: HMM-261 has provided helicopter support for Presidential movements, including direct support for President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. • Enduring Legacy: Over its history, HMM-261 earned multiple unit commendations and campaign streamers, and its legacy continues as VMM-261, supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations worldwide.