HMM-261

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261), known as the "Raging Bulls," was activated on September 5, 1951. The squadron originally flew the HRS-1 helicopter and participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Lebanon crisis in 1958 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. HMM-261 provided critical helicopter support for amphibious assault and humanitarian missions, notably serving in Operation Desert Storm and various peacekeeping and evacuation operations in Africa and the Middle East. In 2009, the unit transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey and was redesignated as VMM-261, continuing its legacy of rapid-response aviation support for the U.S. Marine Corps.