HMLA-169
| Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 | |
|---|---|
HMLA-169 insignia
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| Active | September 30, 1971 - present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Light/Attack squadron |
| Role | Close Air Support |
| Part of |
Marine Aircraft Group 39 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton |
| Nickname(s) | "Vipers" |
| Motto(s) | "World Famous Vipers, perhaps you have heard of us?" "We hate each other , but we hate you more." |
| Tail Code | SN |
| Mascot(s) | Bak-Bak |
| Engagements |
Operation Desert Storm Operation Restore Hope Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 invasion of Iraq * Battle of Najaf * Operation Phantom Fury Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LtCol Brad J. Lagoski |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1Z SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1Y Huey utility helicopters. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
Support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 was activated as Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMA-169) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, on September 30, 1971. Unlike its sister squadrons, HMA-269 and HMA-369, HMA-169 was initially equipped with AH-1G Cobras. During 1974-75 the squadron transitioned to the more capable AH-1J Sea Cobra. The AH-1Gs were transferred out by July 1976.
Through the 1970s, HMA-169 engaged in rigorous amphibious training at sea and combined exercises ashore. The 1980s brought increased operational commitments and a growing legacy of aviation safety milestones.
On October 1, 1986, the re-designated HMLA-169 had all 24 of their advanced AH-1T (TOW) cobras phased out which were replaced with 12 of the new AH-1W (Super Cobra). These were complimented with 12 UH-1N Hueys, increasing the Vipers' capabilities commensurate with the needs of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. This made HMLA-169 the first operational Marine Corp squadron to deploy the new Super Cobra both at home and overseas on deployment.
From December 1990 to June 1991, HMLA-169 embarked aboard the USS Tarawa in support of combat operations in Southwest Asia, and deployed ashore during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with MAG-50 at Tanajib, Saudi Arabia. From February 24 to March 4, 1991, the Vipers flew 234 combat sorties engaging enemy Iraqi forces without loss of aircraft or personnel.
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Wikipedia