HMM-266

• Official Name and Nickname: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (HMM-266) is also known as the "Fighting Griffins." • Activation Date: HMM-266 was activated on 26 September 1983 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina. • Primary Aircraft: The squadron initially operated the CH-46E Sea Knight, a twin-rotor transport helicopter renowned for its reliability and service in the USMC. • Operation Desert Storm: HMM-266 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s, supporting combat and humanitarian missions in the Persian Gulf. • Humanitarian Operations: The squadron was involved in Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, delivering aid and evacuating refugees post-Gulf War. • MEU Deployments: As a regular part of the 24th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), HMM-266 supported numerous global deployments and exercises. • Operation Enduring Freedom: HMM-266 deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting helicopter assault and resupply operations. • Iraq War Involvement: The squadron participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical lift and support for Marine and coalition forces. • Aircraft Transition: HMM-266 was redesignated as VMM-266 in 2007, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft with greater speed and range than the CH-46E. • Distinctive Insignia: The “Griffin” insignia, featuring a mythological creature, reflects the squadron’s strength, vigilance, and fighting spirit throughout its history.