Fly again with the Tigers of the HMM-262 in this wooden CH-46 Model Each model is carefully carved from wood and hand painted to provide a unique treasure you'll love!
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 was activated in September 1951 at Cherry Point, NC and designated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 262. Although activated during the Korean War, the Squadron remained on the east coast providing helicopter support for the Fleet Marine Force units of that area. In February 1952, the Squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26. During July 1954, the Squadron was relocated to New River, North Carolina where it remained until 1966.
On 1 February 1962, the Squadron's designation was changed to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262. The Squadron participated in numerous amphibious and field exercises in the 1950's and early 1960's, developing the helicopter doctrine that was to be utilized by the United States Marine Corps. This training was put into practice from April through June of 1965 when HMM-262 participated in the Dominican Republic Intervention.
With the intensification of American involvement in the war in Vietnam, HMM-262 was deployed to Vietnam during December 1966 and subsequently reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The Squadron remained in Vietnam and operated from Ky Ha, Marble Mountain, Quang Tri, Phu Bai and the USS Tripoli while participating in numerous operations throughout the country.
With the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, HMM-262 relocated to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii during 1971 and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade. In June of that year, the squadron was awarded the Commandant's Aviation Efficiency Award for its accomplishments during the preceding year.
While stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, HMM-262 provided helicopter support to the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade, FMF. In December 1976, HMM-262 was designated as the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to deploy to the western Pacific as a composite squadron. The squadron deployed aboard the USS Tripoli on 17 November and remained the "Cutting Edge" of the 31st MAU for the next eight months.
HMM-262 continued to amass a number of "firsts" over the next few years. In January 1979, the "Cutters" were awarded the highest grade ever achieved (96%) under the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System (MCCRES) for its efforts during the evaluation aboard the USS Belleau Wood. In March 1979, HMM-262, after joining a detachment of six AH-1J's, became the first helicopter squadron to deploy aboard the Navy's new class of amphibious assault ship, the USS Tarawa, LHA-1. During July 1979, HMM-262 scored another first by operating jointly off the same flight deck with a detachment of AV-8A Harriers.
On 30 May 1980, the Flying Tigers flew aboard the USS New Orleans (LPH-11) and joined a detachment of four AH-1T aircraft from HMA-169 to become a fully composite squadron. The squadron was tasked to conduct contingency operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf in response to the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran. In mid 1980 the Flying Tigers were again called to the Northern Arabian Gulf, aboard the USS Okinawa (LPH-3), this time to support Afghanistan contingency operations.
On 2 July 1982, the Flying Tigers launched 11 CH-46E's that were joined by the arrival of four CH-53D's and two UH-1N's, as the Squadron deployed aboard the USS Belleau Wood for its fifth WESTPAC deployment. During this deployment the Squadron participated in the first visit of U.S. forces to Berbera, Somalia after the departure of Soviet forces.
During June 1986, the Flying Tigers prepared to join the unit deployment program to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.
On 3 August 1988, the Flying Tigers once again deployed to the Western Pacific in support of MAG-36 and 1st MAW. During this deployment, the Squadron was designated as the Special Operations Capable (SOC) Squadron for III MEF.
The Flying Tigers boarded the USS Belleau Wood in March 1990 to become the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to deploy aboard ship since 1985. In August 1990, HMM-262 deployed to Okinawa, Japan on UDP and repositioned its flag in September 1990 to NAS Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines, to become the ACE in support of MAGTF 4-90. The Squadron participated in emergency flood/earthquake relief efforts and was extended overseas due to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. The Squadron remained a force-in-readiness in the Philippines before returning to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on 4 June 1991.