VMMT-204
Encyclopedia
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204) is the MV-22 Osprey training squadron of the United States Marine Corps
. Known as the "Raptors", the squadron was originally designated Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 204 (HMT-204) to train new CH-46E pilots and was officially redesignated as VMMT-204 on June 10, 1999. They fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26
(MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
(2nd MAW).
Osprey pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft currently replacing the Marine Corps fleet of CH-46 and CH-53D helicopters.
, North Carolina
, on May 1, 1972. Following the Vietnam War
, Marine Helicopter Training Group 40 (MHTG-40) was deactivated and Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron-402 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron-401 were combined to form HMT-204.
HMT-204 was originally a composite training squadron, tasked with training both CH-46 and CH-53 pilots. In January 1986, the commanding officer of HMT-204 accepted the first fleet model of the CH-46E Survivability, Reliability and Maintainability (SR&M).
In June 1988, HMT-302 assumed responsibility for training all CH-53 pilots and the last CH-53 departed HMT-204. On 9 November 1988, HMT-204 was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation
(MUC) for meritorious service in support of Fleet Marine Force (FMF) units during 1987. In October 1993, HMT-301 was deactivated and HMT-204 became the single site Fleet Readiness Squadron for the entire Marine Corps CH-46E community. As a result of this transition, HMT-204 earned the distinction of being the largest CH-46E squadron in the Marine Corps. Additionally, October 1993 saw the establishment of the Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training (FREST) Program. HMT-204 FREST provides comprehensive technical training for officers and enlisted in the operation, maintenance and repair of the CH-46E aircraft and associated equipment.
In fulfilling its then primary mission of training all CH-46E pilots and crew chiefs, HMT-204 has trained over 1,800 CH-46E replacement aircrew (basic, refresher, modified refresher and conversion pilots), over 275 instructor pilots and over 450 crew chiefs.
Additionally, over 100 AV-8B pilots have completed the vertical flight familiarization syllabus, in the CH-46. In December 1995, HMT-204 broke new ground for training pilots and crew chiefs in night formation, night vision goggle operations, terrain flight, navigation and formalized aircrew coordination training.
Since being commissioned, HMT-204 amassed over 95,000 CH-46 class "A" mishap-free flight hours. In recognition of this significant achievement, the squadron has been the recipient of the Chief of Naval Operations
Safety Award in fiscal years 1977, 1994, and 1997.
In February 1999, HMM(T)-164 was tasked to become the Marine Corps’ Fleet Replacement Squadron
for the CH-46E.
.
VMMT-204 received in April 1999, from Raytheon
Systems Company, a new motion-based operational flight trainer (OFT) to train Marine Corps and Air Force instructors to fly the Osprey. The OFT will provide the pilot with computer-generated horizontal and vertical visual scenes within a 24-foot dome. Both out-of-window visual scenes and forward-looking infrared imagery are made possible by the OFT's six-channel visual-display system. Its full range of motion also allows pilots to get "a real feel" of both acceleration and deceleration and gives them the opportunity to train in a broad spectrum of simulated environments.
In 1999, the squadron became Fleet Replacement Squadron
for MV-22 "Osprey" tilt-rotor pilots and aircrew. The change of aircraft meant a change in designation, so HMT-204 was re-designated VMMT-204. On March 12, 2000 VMMT-204 accepted its first MV-22 Osprey. The squadron conducted MV-22 flight training until December 2000 when a fatal mishap caused USMC leadership to ground the Osprey for its three year "return to flight period."
VMMT-204 resumed MV-22 flight operations in 2005 in support of the Marine Corps activation of deploying MV-22 squadrons. As of the end of 2007, VMMT-204 has trained over 150 MV-22 pilots for the first three Marine Corps MV-22 squadrons, and the first USAF CV-22 squadron.
VMMT-204 currently operates the block A version of the MV-22 - this aircraft preceded the reliability upgrades designed into the block B version delivered to warfighting squadron's. Although the block A aircraft is less reliable and less logistically supported than the newer aircraft, VMMT-204 has been able to complete its training requirements. At various times in the squadron's history, up to 6 of the block A aircraft have been used a "parts birds" to support the remaining flyable aircraft. On February 25, 2009, the first Block A aircraft was inducted into the "A to B" mod line.
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...
. Known as the "Raptors", the squadron was originally designated Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 204 (HMT-204) to train new CH-46E pilots and was officially redesignated as VMMT-204 on June 10, 1999. They fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River that is currently composed of seven MV-22 Osprey squadrons one of which is the Fleet Replacement Squadron and one aviation logistics squadron...
(MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina...
(2nd MAW).
Mission
Provide training to both Marine and Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
Osprey pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft currently replacing the Marine Corps fleet of CH-46 and CH-53D helicopters.
History
The unit was formed at Marine Corps Air Station New RiverMarine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Air Station New River is a United States Marine Corps helicopter base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. In 1972, the airfield was named McCutcheon Field for Brigadier General Keith B. McCutcheon, one of the fathers of Marine Corps helicopter aviation...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, on May 1, 1972. Following the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, Marine Helicopter Training Group 40 (MHTG-40) was deactivated and Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron-402 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron-401 were combined to form HMT-204.
In June 1988, HMT-302 assumed responsibility for training all CH-53 pilots and the last CH-53 departed HMT-204. On 9 November 1988, HMT-204 was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
(MUC) for meritorious service in support of Fleet Marine Force (FMF) units during 1987. In October 1993, HMT-301 was deactivated and HMT-204 became the single site Fleet Readiness Squadron for the entire Marine Corps CH-46E community. As a result of this transition, HMT-204 earned the distinction of being the largest CH-46E squadron in the Marine Corps. Additionally, October 1993 saw the establishment of the Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training (FREST) Program. HMT-204 FREST provides comprehensive technical training for officers and enlisted in the operation, maintenance and repair of the CH-46E aircraft and associated equipment.
In fulfilling its then primary mission of training all CH-46E pilots and crew chiefs, HMT-204 has trained over 1,800 CH-46E replacement aircrew (basic, refresher, modified refresher and conversion pilots), over 275 instructor pilots and over 450 crew chiefs.
Additionally, over 100 AV-8B pilots have completed the vertical flight familiarization syllabus, in the CH-46. In December 1995, HMT-204 broke new ground for training pilots and crew chiefs in night formation, night vision goggle operations, terrain flight, navigation and formalized aircrew coordination training.
Since being commissioned, HMT-204 amassed over 95,000 CH-46 class "A" mishap-free flight hours. In recognition of this significant achievement, the squadron has been the recipient of the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
Safety Award in fiscal years 1977, 1994, and 1997.
In February 1999, HMM(T)-164 was tasked to become the Marine Corps’ Fleet Replacement Squadron
Fleet Replacement Squadron
A Fleet Replacement Squadron , is a unit of the United States Navy and Marine Corps that trains Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers on the specific front-line aircraft they have been assigned to fly...
for the CH-46E.
VMMT-204 received in April 1999, from Raytheon
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
Systems Company, a new motion-based operational flight trainer (OFT) to train Marine Corps and Air Force instructors to fly the Osprey. The OFT will provide the pilot with computer-generated horizontal and vertical visual scenes within a 24-foot dome. Both out-of-window visual scenes and forward-looking infrared imagery are made possible by the OFT's six-channel visual-display system. Its full range of motion also allows pilots to get "a real feel" of both acceleration and deceleration and gives them the opportunity to train in a broad spectrum of simulated environments.
In 1999, the squadron became Fleet Replacement Squadron
Fleet Replacement Squadron
A Fleet Replacement Squadron , is a unit of the United States Navy and Marine Corps that trains Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers on the specific front-line aircraft they have been assigned to fly...
for MV-22 "Osprey" tilt-rotor pilots and aircrew. The change of aircraft meant a change in designation, so HMT-204 was re-designated VMMT-204. On March 12, 2000 VMMT-204 accepted its first MV-22 Osprey. The squadron conducted MV-22 flight training until December 2000 when a fatal mishap caused USMC leadership to ground the Osprey for its three year "return to flight period."
VMMT-204 resumed MV-22 flight operations in 2005 in support of the Marine Corps activation of deploying MV-22 squadrons. As of the end of 2007, VMMT-204 has trained over 150 MV-22 pilots for the first three Marine Corps MV-22 squadrons, and the first USAF CV-22 squadron.
VMMT-204 currently operates the block A version of the MV-22 - this aircraft preceded the reliability upgrades designed into the block B version delivered to warfighting squadron's. Although the block A aircraft is less reliable and less logistically supported than the newer aircraft, VMMT-204 has been able to complete its training requirements. At various times in the squadron's history, up to 6 of the block A aircraft have been used a "parts birds" to support the remaining flyable aircraft. On February 25, 2009, the first Block A aircraft was inducted into the "A to B" mod line.