H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2

• Formation and Mission: H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 (Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 36) was a support unit of the United States Marine Corps, primarily tasked with providing maintenance and logistical support for helicopter operations in Vietnam. • Vietnam War Service: The sub unit was notably active during the Vietnam War, supporting Marine helicopter squadrons, particularly in Da Nang and outlying bases. • Support for Operation Frequent Wind: Members of H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 played a key role in the 1975 evacuation of Saigon (Operation Frequent Wind), helping keep helicopters operational during the massive airlift. • Nickname - "The Maintainers": The Marines and sailors of H&MS-36 were often called “The Maintainers” due to their critical role in keeping helicopters mission-ready under challenging conditions. • Maintenance Excellence: The unit earned a reputation for performing complex repairs in the field, frequently working under enemy fire and with limited resources to return aircraft to service. • Challenging Conditions: Members often worked long hours in extreme heat and humidity, with monsoon rains and mud compounding the difficulty of their maintenance tasks. • Innovative Field Repairs: H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 Marines were known for their ingenuity, sometimes creating custom parts or improvising repairs to keep helicopters flying when official parts were unavailable. • Casualties and Heroism: The unit suffered casualties from enemy attacks, particularly during rocket and mortar assaults on airfields, but continued to perform their duties with distinction. • Legacy and Honors: Veterans of H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 are recognized for their behind-the-scenes contributions to the success of aerial missions and ground operations throughout I Corps in Vietnam. • Post-Vietnam Reorganization: After the war, H&MS units were restructured and their roles often absorbed into Marine Aircraft Group maintenance departments, but the legacy of H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 remains a point of pride among former members.