HMLA-775
Encyclopedia
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) was a reserve United States Marine Corps
helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1N Huey
utility helicopters. The squadron was based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
, California
and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 46
(MAG-46) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
(4th MAW).
The detachment/squadron team functioned in the same manner as that of its active duty counterparts minus the regular overseas deployments. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA-775 also participated in anti-drug operations in conjunction with Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West
, Florida
, Bahamas, Puerto Rico
, Nassau
, South America
, California, and Jamaica
.
HMR-775 was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMM-775) on 1 April 1962, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 46, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. HMM-775 was deactivated September 30, 1962.
In March 1988, the first personnel and aircraft of what would eventually become Marine Aircraft Group 46 Detachment E, Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 began arriving at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
, California
.
On January 7, 1989 the unit was commissioned as MAG-46 Det E, HMA-775, MALS-46 Det E became a complement of eight 1968 model AH-1J's
. This was the standup of the first Reserve Cobra Squadron on the west coast. The squadron became complete with 12 vintage AH-IJ SeaCobra helicopters.
On December 1, 1990, HMA-775 and its 12 AH-1J Cobras, was activated for deployment to Southwest Asia
. The unit deployed to Southwest Asia
on January 5, 1991 to Jubail
, Saudi Arabia
in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm
. The "Coyotes" participated in every major battle from Khafji
to the final assault on Kuwait City
, flying over 970 combat hours and accumulating 641 combat sorties. The squadron then remained in-country, in support of Operation Desert Comfort. By May 15, 1991 the final personnel and aircraft arrived back at MCB Camp Pendleton.
In May 1992 the squadron received the first eight of what would eventually total 12 AH-1W Super Cobras. A flash flood struck the Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in January 1993. The aircraft and building spaces suffered severe damage. The first aircraft flew again on February 25. By mid-April, the squadron had moved into new temporary spaces and all aircraft were flying. During the July change of command, the "Coyotes" were awarded the Ensign Pierce Award for being the Marine Air Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the year in 1992.
HMLA-775 was attached to its active counterpart Mag-46 Det A (Detachment Alpha) who flew, maintained and operated the squadron on a daily basis. This small active component was responsible for the training and support of HMLA-775 during their drill weekends, active periods and unit activations for wartime deployment.
On May 10, 1994 the Squadron moved into a new hangar - their first permanent home at Camp Pendleton. On June 18, six UH-1N Huey utility helicopters were added to inventory and on August 6, the squadron was officially redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775), thus becoming the first HMLA in the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
.
The Squadron functioned in the same manner as that of its active duty counterparts minus deploying overseas on the Marine Expeditionary Unit
or regularly rotated stations. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA-775 also participated in anti-drug and Border Patrol
operations in support of Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West, FL, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Nassau, South America, California, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Jamaica.
in and around the city of Fallujah
during Operation Vigilant Resolve
and follow-on operations. HMLA-775 redeployed to Iraq in early 2005 to provide close air support for the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1N Huey
UH-1N Twin Huey
The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is a medium military helicopter that first flew in April, 1969. The UH-1N has a fifteen seat configuration, with one pilot and fourteen passengers. In cargo configuration the UH-1N has an internal capacity of 220 ft³ . An external load of 5,000 lb can be carried...
utility helicopters. The squadron was based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 46
Marine Aircraft Group 46
Marine Aircraft Group 46 was a United States Marine Corps reserve aviation group based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California with subordinate units spread throughout California. It previously composed of one adversary squadron equipped with the F-5, one CH-46 squadron, one CH-53E...
(MAG-46) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
4th Marine Aircraft Wing
The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is the reserve airwing of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana but its subordinate units are scattered throughout the United States...
(4th MAW).
The detachment/squadron team functioned in the same manner as that of its active duty counterparts minus the regular overseas deployments. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA-775 also participated in anti-drug operations in conjunction with Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West
Key West
Key West is an island in the Straits of Florida on the North American continent at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Key West is home to the southernmost point in the Continental United States; the island is about from Cuba....
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, Bahamas, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, Nassau
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is the capital, largest city, and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has a population of 248,948 , 70 percent of the entire population of The Bahamas...
, South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, California, and Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
.
Early years
Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 775 (HMR-775) was activated September 2, 1958 at Naval Air Station Niagara Falls, New York, and assigned to Marine Air Reserve Training Command. Initial strength at activation was 2 officers. HMR-775 relocated to NAS Willow Grove, effective February 28, 1959. During this period HMR-775 operated the Piasecki HUP-2 "Retriever".HMR-775 was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMM-775) on 1 April 1962, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 46, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. HMM-775 was deactivated September 30, 1962.
In March 1988, the first personnel and aircraft of what would eventually become Marine Aircraft Group 46 Detachment E, Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 began arriving at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
On January 7, 1989 the unit was commissioned as MAG-46 Det E, HMA-775, MALS-46 Det E became a complement of eight 1968 model AH-1J's
AH-1 Cobra
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois...
. This was the standup of the first Reserve Cobra Squadron on the west coast. The squadron became complete with 12 vintage AH-IJ SeaCobra helicopters.
On December 1, 1990, HMA-775 and its 12 AH-1J Cobras, was activated for deployment to Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
. The unit deployed to Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
on January 5, 1991 to Jubail
Jubail
Jubail , is a city in the Eastern province on the Persian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia. It consists of the Old Town of Al Jubail, which was originally a small fishing village, up to 1975 and the new industrial area....
, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. The "Coyotes" participated in every major battle from Khafji
Battle of Khafji
The Battle of Khafji was the first major ground engagement of the Gulf War. It took place in and around the Saudi Arabian city of Khafji, from 29 January to 1 February 1991 and marked the culmination of the Coalition's air campaign over Kuwait and Iraq, which had begun on 17 January 1991.Iraqi...
to the final assault on Kuwait City
Kuwait City
-Suburbs:Although the districts below are not usually recognized as suburbs, the following is a list of a few areas surrounding Kuwait city:Al-Salam ""السلام"" -Economy:...
, flying over 970 combat hours and accumulating 641 combat sorties. The squadron then remained in-country, in support of Operation Desert Comfort. By May 15, 1991 the final personnel and aircraft arrived back at MCB Camp Pendleton.
In May 1992 the squadron received the first eight of what would eventually total 12 AH-1W Super Cobras. A flash flood struck the Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in January 1993. The aircraft and building spaces suffered severe damage. The first aircraft flew again on February 25. By mid-April, the squadron had moved into new temporary spaces and all aircraft were flying. During the July change of command, the "Coyotes" were awarded the Ensign Pierce Award for being the Marine Air Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the year in 1992.
HMLA-775 was attached to its active counterpart Mag-46 Det A (Detachment Alpha) who flew, maintained and operated the squadron on a daily basis. This small active component was responsible for the training and support of HMLA-775 during their drill weekends, active periods and unit activations for wartime deployment.
On May 10, 1994 the Squadron moved into a new hangar - their first permanent home at Camp Pendleton. On June 18, six UH-1N Huey utility helicopters were added to inventory and on August 6, the squadron was officially redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775), thus becoming the first HMLA in the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
4th Marine Aircraft Wing
The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is the reserve airwing of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana but its subordinate units are scattered throughout the United States...
.
Marine Expeditionary Unit
A Marine expeditionary unit , formerly called Marine amphibious unit , is the smallest Marine air-ground task force in the United States Fleet Marine Force...
or regularly rotated stations. To enhance the squadron's readiness and demonstrate its versatility, HMLA-775 also participated in anti-drug and Border Patrol
United States Border Patrol
The United States Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection , a component of the Department of Homeland Security . It is an agency in the Department of Homeland Security that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to...
operations in support of Federal Agencies in locations such as Key West, FL, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Nassau, South America, California, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Jamaica.
Global War on Terror
HMLA-775 deployed with its sister squadron HMLA-775 Det A ( out of Johnstown, Pa), in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom two times. The first time was early 2004 when they flew in support of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. The bulk of their flying during this time was providing close air supportClose air support
In military tactics, close air support is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are close to friendly forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces.The determining factor for CAS is...
in and around the city of Fallujah
Fallujah
Fallujah is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly west of Baghdad on the Euphrates. Fallujah dates from Babylonian times and was host to important Jewish academies for many centuries....
during Operation Vigilant Resolve
Operation Vigilant Resolve
As part of the occupation of Iraq, the First Battle of Fallujah, codenamed Operation Vigilant Resolve, was an unsuccessful attempt by the United States Military to capture the city of Fallujah in April 2004....
and follow-on operations. HMLA-775 redeployed to Iraq in early 2005 to provide close air support for the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Decommissioning
On September 6, 2008, HMLA-775 was decommissioned after 20 years of faithful service.See also
- United States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
- List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons