Paul Bursey

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269), known as the "Gunrunners," was activated on February 22, 1971, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Originally designated as a light helicopter squadron, it was the first Marine Corps unit to receive the AH-1J Sea Cobra attack helicopter. Over its history, HMLA-269 has supported numerous operations, including deployments to Lebanon, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron has established a reputation for excellence in close air support, armed escort, and utility missions, operating both AH-1 attack helicopters and UH-1 utility helicopters until its deactivation in 2022.