VMGR-252
| Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 | |
|---|---|
VMGR-252 Insignia
|
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| Active | June 1, 1928 - present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Cargo Transport / Aerial refueling |
| Role | Assault support |
| Size | 420 Marines |
| Part of |
Marine Aircraft Group 14 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point |
| Nickname(s) | Otis |
| Tail Code | BH |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Iwo Jima * Battle of Okinawa Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Burks |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Transport |
R4D Skytrain R4Q Flying Boxcar C-130 Hercules |
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) is a United States Marine Corps KC-130J squadron. They are a part of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and provide both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial refueling capabilities to support Fleet Marine Force air operations in addition to assault air transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. The squadron, known as "Otis" is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. It also has the distinction of being the oldest continually active squadron in the Marine Corps.
Provide assault transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies, and to provide aerial refueling service to fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The squadron was formed June 1, 1928, and designated Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California. The squadron was re-designated several times in the next decade. It received the designation Marine Utility Squadron 252 (VMJ-252) on July 1, 1941, and Marine Transport Squadron 252 (VMR-252) on April 1, 1945.
The squadron was heavily involved during World War II and participated in the following campaigns: Pearl Harbor, Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Following the war, the squadron relocated to MCAS Cherry Point and was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 21.
In July 1946, VMR-252 was based at MCAS Miramar as part of Marine Aircraft Group 25. They remained there until October 14, 1946 when they were moved to MCAS El Toro. During October 1961, the KC-130 Hercules became the squadron's aircraft. With the introduction of the KC-130, the squadron's primary mission was changed to aerial refueling. On February 1, 1962, the Squadron received its present designation as Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252). In December 1965, the KC-130 was used to refuel the CH-3 helicopter. This was the first time that a tanker drogue system was used to refuel a helicopter.
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