H&MS-16, Tustin, CA. : HMH-363

• Origins: H&MS-16 (Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 16) was established in the 1960s as part of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), providing critical maintenance and logistical support for helicopter operations. • Vietnam War Service: Both H&MS-16 and HMH-363 ("Red Lions") played vital roles during the Vietnam War, supporting medevac, resupply, and troop transport missions in high-risk environments. • Helicopter Types: HMH-363 has been known for operating the CH-53 Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, a backbone of Marine Corps aviation logistics and troop movement. • Tustin Legacy: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Tustin, California, where H&MS-16 was based, was famous for its iconic wooden blimp hangars, among the largest free-standing wooden structures in the world. • Transition and Redesignation: H&MS-16 was eventually redesignated as MALS-16 (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16), reflecting an expansion and modernization of its mission and capabilities. • Humanitarian Assistance: HMH-363 and supporting units participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations following typhoons and earthquakes in the Pacific region. • Sundown of MCAS Tustin: The base was closed in 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, ending decades of aviation history in Orange County, California. • Nickname "Red Lions": HMH-363 is known as the "Red Lions," a nickname that reflects the unit's fierce esprit de corps and was often emblazoned on their aircraft. • Modern Deployments: HMH-363 has continued to serve in major operations, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting combat and logistics missions in the Global War on Terror. • Heritage and Honors: Both H&MS-16 and HMH-363 have earned numerous unit citations and commendations, recognizing their outstanding performance, bravery, and dedication to duty throughout their history.