HMM-264

• Formation: HMM-264, also known as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264, was activated on June 30, 1959, at Marine Corps Air Facility New River, North Carolina. • Nickname: The squadron’s nickname is the “Black Knights,” a moniker they have proudly carried for decades. • Vietnam Era: Though formed during the Vietnam era, HMM-264 did not deploy to Vietnam, but several of its personnel and aircraft were transferred to support squadrons that did. • First Mediterranean Deployment: In 1962, HMM-264 became the first Marine helicopter squadron to deploy with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Mediterranean Sea. • Operation Urgent Fury: HMM-264 played a key role in the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing helicopter support for troop insertions and medical evacuations. • Rescue in Liberia: In 1990, the squadron was instrumental in Operation Sharp Edge, evacuating more than 2,400 civilians from war-torn Liberia, including American and European embassy personnel. • Somalia Operations: HMM-264 participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993, supporting humanitarian relief and security operations. • Aircraft: Over its history, HMM-264 has operated multiple helicopter types, including the H-34, CH-46 Sea Knight, and later transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey as VMM-264. • Global War on Terror: The squadron deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), delivering troops, supplies, and providing casualty evacuation. • Deactivation and Reactivation: HMM-264 was redesignated as VMM-264 in 2009, marking its transition from CH-46 helicopters to MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing its long legacy as a vital aviation unit of the Marine Corps.