About this Unit
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (VMM-261), known as the "Raging Bulls," was originally activated in 1951 as a helicopter transport squadron. The unit saw extensive combat service in Vietnam, providing troop transport, resupply, and medevac missions. Over the decades, VMM-261 has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian assistance in Haiti and combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Transitioning from CH-46 Sea Knights to MV-22B Ospreys in 2013, the squadron continues to serve as a vital aviation asset within the United States Marine Corps.
Historical Facts
•
Oldest MV-22B Squadron: VMM-261, also known as the "Raging Bulls," is the oldest continually active MV-22B Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps, tracing its lineage to 1951.
•
Commissioned During the Korean War: The squadron was originally commissioned as HMR-261 (Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 261) on 5 April 1951, in response to the demands of the Korean War.
•
Pioneers in Vertical Lift: In the early 1950s, the unit operated the Sikorsky HRS-1, becoming one of the first Marine helicopter transport squadrons, and helped develop modern vertical envelopment tactics.
•
Cuban Missile Crisis Involvement: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the squadron was deployed as a key airlift asset and on alert for possible combat operations.
•
Vietnam War Service: Redesignated HMM-261, the unit deployed to Vietnam in 1966, supporting combat operations and distinguished itself with over 10,000 flight hours in a single year.
•
Operation Desert Storm: HMM-261 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing troop and supply transport, medevac, and assault support missions in the Persian Gulf region.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The squadron has responded to numerous humanitarian crises, including Operation Provide Comfort (Iraq, 1991) and Operation Unified Response (Haiti earthquake relief, 2010).
•
MV-22 Osprey Transition: In 2006, the squadron transitioned from the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter to the revolutionary MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, enhancing its range, speed, and versatility.
•
First Osprey MEU Deployment: VMM-261 made history as the first Osprey squadron to deploy aboard a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarking with the 22nd MEU in 2009.
•
Global Presence: Throughout its history, VMM-261 has deployed worldwide, supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, demonstrating the squadron's motto: "Raging Bulls—Ready, Reliable, Relevant."
