HMR 163

Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 163 (HMR-163) was activated on January 15, 1951, as part of the United States Marine Corps' growing emphasis on helicopter operations. The squadron initially trained with Sikorsky HRS-1 helicopters, playing a pioneering role in developing vertical envelopment tactics. HMR-163 saw significant action during the Vietnam War, providing troop transport, resupply, and medevac missions under challenging combat conditions. Over time, the unit was redesignated as HMM-163 and later as VMM-163, reflecting its transition to newer aircraft and expanding mission capabilities.