H&MS-13

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About H&MS-13

Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13 (H&MS-13) was a United States Marine Corps aviation support unit established to provide logistical and maintenance support to Marine aircraft squadrons. Originally activated during the Vietnam War era, H&MS-13 was based at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California. The squadron played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of Marine aircraft by managing supply, avionics, and intermediate-level aircraft maintenance. In 1988, as part of a Corps-wide reorganization, H&MS-13 was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13), continuing its mission of aviation logistics support for Marine Aircraft Group 13.

Unit Members

Jeffrey Pursley

U.S. Marine Corps

H&MS-13View Profile

David Watkins

U.S. Marine Corps

H&MS-13View Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps

115 Phantom in Chu Lai

VMFA-115 • U.S. Marine Corps • 1970

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About H&MS-13

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13 (H&MS-13) was activated on 1 March 1952 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, as part of Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13). • Vietnam War Service: H&MS-13 deployed to Vietnam in 1966, providing vital aircraft maintenance and logistical support at Chu Lai Air Base. • Nickname "Sparrowhawks": The squadron earned the nickname "Sparrowhawks" during its Vietnam service, a name that stuck with the unit throughout its existence. • Ordnance Prowess: H&MS-13 Ordnance Section was responsible for arming Marine Corps jets and helicopters, including the A-4 Skyhawk, with bombs, rockets, and missiles during the Vietnam War. • Emergency Recovery: The squadron played a crucial role in recovering and repairing battle-damaged aircraft, allowing many to return to combat instead of being written off. • First to Use "Daisy Cutter" Bombs: H&MS-13 Ordnance Marines were among the first to load the massive BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter" bombs used to clear helicopter landing zones in Vietnam. • Support to Multiple Units: H&MS-13 provided maintenance and logistical support to several squadrons, including VMFA-314, VMFA-323, and VMA-311, ensuring mission readiness. • Post-Vietnam Operations: After Vietnam, the squadron relocated to MCAS Yuma, Arizona, in 1976, continuing its support role for Marine aviation units. • Transition and Redesignation: On 1 October 1988, H&MS-13 was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13), reflecting the modernization of Marine Corps aviation logistics. • Legacy: The traditions and esprit de corps of H&MS-13 live on in MALS-13, which continues to provide essential aviation logistics support to Marine Aircraft Group 13 and remains based at MCAS Yuma.