HMH-462
Encyclopedia
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) is a United States Marine Corps
helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion
heavy transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Heavy Haulers", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
, California
and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16
(MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
(3rd MAW).
Marine Fighting Squadron 462 (VMF-462) was activated Marine Corps Air Station El Centro, California
on April 15, 1944. On October 10, 1944 the squadron absorbed personnel and equipment from VMF-481 and they were redesignated a fighter pilot replacement training unit. Shortly thereafter they transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
, California and remained there until the end of the war. The squadron was quickly deactivated after the war's end on September 10, 1945.
(CH-37 Mojave), known as the "Deuce." In July, 1958 the squadron participated in NASA’s abort recovery tests of the Mercury space capsule in the Salton Sea
. During July, 1959 HMR(M)-462 worked with the United States Army
in El Paso, Texas
to conduct the initial aerial transport tests of the Hawk missile
system. One year later, the squadron worked with Convair Astronautics Corporation
in San Diego to help construct Atlas missile silos. Also during 1960, HMR(M)-462 joined with the Federal Aviation Administration
, Sikorsky Aircraft
, the U.S. Army, New York Airways
and British technical representatives of the Decca Corporation to establish Instrument Flight Procedures for helicopters. During the mid-1960s the squadron changed their logo and began acceptance of the CH-53A "Stallion".
In August 1968, the "Heavy Haulers" deployed to the Republic of Vietnam for combat operations. Assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36
at Phu Bai, the squadron was tasked with the tactical retrieval of downed aircraft and heavy equipment during Operation End Sweep
. In March 1971, HMH-462 was transferred to Okinawa to provide support to Marine forces in Japan. In 1975 HMH-462, still stationed in Okinawa, was assigned to the 9th MAB and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
. On 12 April 1975 the "Heavy Haulers" operating from USS Okinawa (LPH-3)
, participated in Operation Eagle Pull
, the evacuation of Phnom Penh
. Seventeen days later from 29–30 April, HMH-462 participated in Operation Frequent Wind
, the evacuation of Saigon. Shortly thereafter, the squadron was embarked upon the USS Hancock (CV-19)
and sailed back towards Cambodia to participate in the rescue operation of the SS Mayaguez
. The Mayaguez rescue was completed before the Hancock arrived on station and the Hancock returned to Subic Bay
.
, California and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16. They also participated in the Unit Deployment Program
to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, In December 1989, a squadron detachment was assigned to participate in coup contingency operations in the Republic of the Philippines as part of Marine Aircraft Group 90.
In August 1990, the "Heavy Haulers" were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 70 and deployed to Jubayl, Saudi Arabia as part transport, MEDEVAC
, VIP, and FARP support to MAG-70/16 and I Marine Expeditionary Force operations.
In February 1991, the squadron relocated to Tanajib
, Saudi Arabia
, where it provided support for Operation Desert Storm. Following the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron returned to MCAS Tustin. During March of 1991, the squadron received the 1990 Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. In September, the squadron reached another milestone when it completed 15,000 class A mishap free flight hours.
In 1992 it was also announced that HMH-462 had been selected for transition to the CH-53E Super Stallion
. In June, the Heavy Haulers took possession of their first CH-53E Super Stallion and began the transition process.
In 1996, the squadron reached another milestone when it completed 28,000 class A mishap free flight hours. In May of the same year, after completing another unit deployment to Okinawa, Japan. The "Heavy Haulers" received the Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award from the Marine Corps Aviation Association for 1996.
In March 1997, HMH-462 surpassed 30,000 class A mishap free flight hours. After returning home in May 1998 from another unit deployment cycle. They became the first helicopter squadron in MAG-16 to make the transition from Tustin to MCAS Miramar, California. In December of the same year, HMH-462 surpassed yet another class A mishap free flight hour milestone of 35,000 hours and received the Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year award for 1998.
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 CH-53E Super Stallion
CH-53E Super Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. Sailors commonly refer to the Super...
heavy transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Heavy Haulers", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar , formerly Naval Air Station Miramar is a United States Marine Corps installation that is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force...
, 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 falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 16
Marine Aircraft Group 16 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar that is currently composed of one CH-46 Sea Knight squadron, four V-22 Osprey squadrons, four CH-53 Super Stallion squadrons, one Personnel Support Detachment and a maintenance and...
(MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing is the major west coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and provides the aviation combat element for I Marine Expeditionary Force...
(3rd MAW).
World War II
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 April 15, 1944. On October 10, 1944 the squadron absorbed personnel and equipment from VMF-481 and they were redesignated a fighter pilot replacement training unit. Shortly thereafter they transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
Marine Corps Air Station El Toro was a United States Marine Corps Air Station located near Irvine, California.Before it was decommissioned in 1999, it was the home of Marine Corps aviation on the West Coast. Designated as a Master Jet Station, its four runways could handle the largest aircraft...
, California and remained there until the end of the war. The squadron was quickly deactivated after the war's end on September 10, 1945.
1950s and early 1960s
On November 1, 1957, 462 was reactivated at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Medium) 462 HMR(M)-462. In March, 1958 the squadron received the Sikorsky HR2S-1CH-37 Mojave
|-See also:-References:* Harding, Stephen. U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947. Shrewsbury, UK:Airlife Publishing, 1990. ISBN 1-85310-102-8.* Swanborough, F.G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft since 1909. London:Putnam, 1963....
(CH-37 Mojave), known as the "Deuce." In July, 1958 the squadron participated in NASA’s abort recovery tests of the Mercury space capsule in the Salton Sea
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline, endorheic rift lake located directly on the San Andreas Fault, predominantly in California's Imperial Valley. The lake occupies the lowest elevations of the Salton Sink in the Colorado Desert of Imperial and Riverside counties in Southern California. Like Death...
. During July, 1959 HMR(M)-462 worked with the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
in El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
to conduct the initial aerial transport tests of the Hawk missile
MIM-23 Hawk
The Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk is a U.S. medium range surface-to-air missile. The Hawk was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight. The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete. It was...
system. One year later, the squadron worked with Convair Astronautics Corporation
Convair
Convair was an American aircraft manufacturing company which later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Vultee Aircraft and Consolidated Aircraft, and went on to produce a number of pioneering aircraft, such as the Convair B-36 bomber, and the F-102...
in San Diego to help construct Atlas missile silos. Also during 1960, HMR(M)-462 joined with the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
, Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut. Its parent company is United Technologies Corporation.-History:...
, the U.S. Army, New York Airways
New York Airways
New York Airways was a helicopter airline in the New York City area. Founded in 1949 as a mail and cargo carrier, on July 9, 1953 it became the first scheduled helicopter airline to carry passengers in the United States...
and British technical representatives of the Decca Corporation to establish Instrument Flight Procedures for helicopters. During the mid-1960s the squadron changed their logo and began acceptance of the CH-53A "Stallion".
Vietnam War
Marine Aircraft Group 36
Marine Aircraft Group 36 is an active air group of the United States Marine Corps, tasked with providing assault support aircraft. It is currently part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing , itself an integral part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in...
at Phu Bai, the squadron was tasked with the tactical retrieval of downed aircraft and heavy equipment during Operation End Sweep
Operation End Sweep
Operation End Sweep was a U.S. Navy operation to remove the naval mines from Haiphong harbor in North Vietnam in July 1973. This action was done in favor of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, abiding to the Paris Peace Accord.-References:*...
. In March 1971, HMH-462 was transferred to Okinawa to provide support to Marine forces in Japan. In 1975 HMH-462, still stationed in Okinawa, was assigned to the 9th MAB and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel...
. On 12 April 1975 the "Heavy Haulers" operating from USS Okinawa (LPH-3)
USS Okinawa (LPH-3)
USS Okinawa was the second Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy. She was the second Navy ship assigned the name "Okinawa", in honor of the World War II Battle of Okinawa....
, participated in Operation Eagle Pull
Operation Eagle Pull
Operation Eagle Pull was the American evacuation by air of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 12 April, 1975. At the beginning of April 1975, Phnom Penh, the last remaining stronghold of the Khmer Republic, was surrounded by the Khmer Rouge and totally dependent on aerial resupply through Pochentong Airport...
, the evacuation of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic and industrial activities, as well as the center of security,...
. Seventeen days later from 29–30 April, HMH-462 participated in Operation Frequent Wind
Operation Frequent Wind
Operation Frequent Wind was the evacuation by helicopter of American civilians and 'at-risk' Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam, on 29–30 April 1975 during the last days of the Vietnam War...
, the evacuation of Saigon. Shortly thereafter, the squadron was embarked upon the USS Hancock (CV-19)
USS Hancock (CV-19)
USS Hancock was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress and first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...
and sailed back towards Cambodia to participate in the rescue operation of the SS Mayaguez
SS Mayagüez
SS Mayaguez was a U.S.-flagged container ship that attained notoriety for its 12 May 1975 seizure by Khmer Rouge forces of Cambodia, which resulted in a confrontation with the United States at the close of the Vietnam War....
. The Mayaguez rescue was completed before the Hancock arrived on station and the Hancock returned to Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay
U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay was a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Zambales, Philippines. It was the largest U.S...
.
Post Vietnam and the 1990s
After nearly ten years of continuous overseas service, HMH-462 was relocated to Marine Corps Air Station TustinMarine Corps Air Station Tustin
Tustin Legacy is a planned community in Tustin, California being developed on the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. The project, under construction, will include parks, a commercial retail center and various densities of housing, for a total of 4,600 units.The City’s vision for Tustin Legacy...
, California and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16. They also participated in the Unit Deployment Program
Unit Deployment Program
To reduce the number of unaccompanied tours and improve unit continuity, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, established the Unit Deployment Program to provide for the deployment of units to the Western Pacific for periods of approximately six months...
to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, In December 1989, a squadron detachment was assigned to participate in coup contingency operations in the Republic of the Philippines as part of Marine Aircraft Group 90.
In August 1990, the "Heavy Haulers" were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 70 and deployed to Jubayl, Saudi Arabia as part transport, MEDEVAC
MEDEVAC
Medical evacuation, often termed Medevac or Medivac, is the timely and efficient movement and en route care provided by medical personnel to the wounded being evacuated from the battlefield or to injured patients being evacuated from the scene of an accident to receiving medical facilities using...
, VIP, and FARP support to MAG-70/16 and I Marine Expeditionary Force operations.
In February 1991, the squadron relocated to Tanajib
Tanajib
Tanajib is an oil complex owned by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company , located on the Persian Gulf, about 200 km north of Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia...
, 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...
, where it provided support for Operation Desert Storm. Following the conclusion of hostilities, the squadron returned to MCAS Tustin. During March of 1991, the squadron received the 1990 Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. In September, the squadron reached another milestone when it completed 15,000 class A mishap free flight hours.
In 1992 it was also announced that HMH-462 had been selected for transition to the CH-53E Super Stallion
CH-53E Super Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. Sailors commonly refer to the Super...
. In June, the Heavy Haulers took possession of their first CH-53E Super Stallion and began the transition process.
In 1996, the squadron reached another milestone when it completed 28,000 class A mishap free flight hours. In May of the same year, after completing another unit deployment to Okinawa, Japan. The "Heavy Haulers" received the Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award from the Marine Corps Aviation Association for 1996.
In March 1997, HMH-462 surpassed 30,000 class A mishap free flight hours. After returning home in May 1998 from another unit deployment cycle. They became the first helicopter squadron in MAG-16 to make the transition from Tustin to MCAS Miramar, California. In December of the same year, HMH-462 surpassed yet another class A mishap free flight hour milestone of 35,000 hours and received the Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the Year award for 1998.
The Global War on Terror
HMH 462 served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 to September 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom from September 2004 to May 2005. They flew many missions supporting logistics and combat missions involving insertion and extraction of special forces groups. The squadron is currently preparing for another deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.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....
- Organization of the United States Marine CorpsOrganization of the United States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy . The most senior Marine officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for...
- List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons