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HMX-1

U.S. Marine Corps•57 members

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About this Unit

HMX-1

U.S. Marine Corps

HMX-1, or Marine Helicopter Squadron One, was established on December 1, 1947, at Quantico, Virginia, making it the first United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron. Originally created to test and evaluate rotary-wing aviation, HMX-1 quickly gained prominence for its role in helicopter assault tactics during the Korean War. In 1957, HMX-1 began its most famous mission: providing helicopter transportation for the President of the United States, earning the call sign "Marine One" when the president is aboard. Today, HMX-1 continues to support presidential transport, distinguished visitors, and operational test and evaluation missions, upholding its legacy as one of the most prestigious aviation units in the Marine Corps.

About HMX-1

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Presidential Helicopter Squadron: HMX-1 (Marine Helicopter Squadron One) is best known for providing helicopter transport to the President of the United States, earning the callsign “Marine One” when the President is aboard.
Founded in 1947: HMX-1 was established on December 1, 1947, at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia, initially to test and evaluate military helicopters.
First Helicopter Assault: In 1950, HMX-1 conducted the first-ever helicopter-borne ship-to-shore assault, setting the stage for future vertical envelopment tactics used by the Marine Corps.
Presidential Duties Begin: HMX-1 began its presidential transport mission in 1957, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first U.S. president to fly in a helicopter.
Dual Aircraft Fleet: The squadron operates both Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopters for presidential and VIP transport.
Distinctive Green and White Livery: HMX-1 helicopters are easily recognizable by their unique green and white paint scheme, symbolizing their special mission.
Secret Service Coordination: HMX-1 works closely with the U.S. Secret Service to ensure the President's safety during all helicopter flights and landings.
Other VIP Duties: Besides the President, HMX-1 also transports the Vice President, Cabinet members, foreign dignitaries, and other VIPs as directed.
Experimental Roots: The original mission of HMX-1 was to develop helicopter tactics, techniques, and procedures—making it the first U.S. military helicopter squadron.
Callsign Trivia: The “Marine One” callsign is only used when the President is on board; otherwise, the helicopters use the callsign “Nighthawk.”

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HMX-1

U.S. Marine Corps•57 members

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About this Unit

HMX-1

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

B.E. Hall

U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree

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Thomas Morgan

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1986 - 1988

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Winona Doubrava

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1995 - 1997

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Anthony Casanova

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1991 - 1995

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Marine Corps photos

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About HMX-1

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Presidential Helicopter Squadron: HMX-1 (Marine Helicopter Squadron One) is best known for providing helicopter transport to the President of the United States, earning the callsign “Marine One” when the President is aboard.
Founded in 1947: HMX-1 was established on December 1, 1947, at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia, initially to test and evaluate military helicopters.
First Helicopter Assault: In 1950, HMX-1 conducted the first-ever helicopter-borne ship-to-shore assault, setting the stage for future vertical envelopment tactics used by the Marine Corps.
Presidential Duties Begin: HMX-1 began its presidential transport mission in 1957, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first U.S. president to fly in a helicopter.
Dual Aircraft Fleet: The squadron operates both Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopters for presidential and VIP transport.
Distinctive Green and White Livery: HMX-1 helicopters are easily recognizable by their unique green and white paint scheme, symbolizing their special mission.
Secret Service Coordination: HMX-1 works closely with the U.S. Secret Service to ensure the President's safety during all helicopter flights and landings.
Other VIP Duties: Besides the President, HMX-1 also transports the Vice President, Cabinet members, foreign dignitaries, and other VIPs as directed.
Experimental Roots: The original mission of HMX-1 was to develop helicopter tactics, techniques, and procedures—making it the first U.S. military helicopter squadron.
Callsign Trivia: The “Marine One” callsign is only used when the President is on board; otherwise, the helicopters use the callsign “Nighthawk.”