HMR 163

• Origin of HMR-163: Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 163 (HMR-163) was originally activated on June 15, 1951, at MCAS El Toro, California, as part of the Marine Corps' efforts to develop helicopter-borne assault tactics during the Korean War era. • Nickname “Ridge Runners”: The squadron became known as the “Ridge Runners” due to their frequent operations in rugged, mountainous terrain, especially during their deployments in Southeast Asia. • Vietnam War Service: HMR-163 (later redesignated as HMM-163) was one of the first Marine helicopter units deployed to Vietnam, arriving in 1962 and playing a vital role in troop transport, medical evacuation, and resupply missions. • “Evil Eyes” Markings: In Vietnam, the squadron became famous for painting “Evil Eyes” on their helicopters' noses, intended to intimidate the enemy and boost morale among allied troops. • Operation Starlite: In August 1965, HMM-163 participated in Operation Starlite, the first major American ground offensive of the Vietnam War, providing critical helicopter support for Marine infantry. • Multiple Redesignations: The squadron underwent several redesignations, from HMR-163 (Helicopter Transport) to HMM-163 (Helicopter Marine Medium) and later to VMM-163 (Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron) as it transitioned to MV-22 Osprey aircraft. • Evacuation Operations: HMM-163 played a role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, helping evacuate American personnel and at-risk Vietnamese citizens as North Vietnamese forces closed in. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the squadron has participated in numerous humanitarian relief efforts, including responses to natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. • Home Base Changes: Over its history, HMR/HMM/VMM-163 has been based at several locations, including MCAS El Toro, MCAS Tustin, and currently MCAS Miramar, California. • Legacy and Honors: The squadron has received multiple commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations, recognizing its outstanding service and heroism in combat and peacetime operations.