U. S. MARINE CORPs Marine Light Attack
Helicopter Squadron 369
History
On June 24, 2008, the Vista City Council “adopted” Marine Squadron 369, based out of Camp Pendleton, as part of the America Supporting Americans (ASA) Adopt a Unit program. The America Supporting Americans program was created to provide a mechanism whereby all branches of the United States Armed Services would be "adopted" by an American City. The purpose of the program is to bond Americans with servicemen and women who so bravely serve our country.
How Can You Support the Unit?
There are many ways, both big and small, that your help is needed for this program. Below are a few ideas; if you have other talents or suggestions, let us know! You can support HMLA-369 by donating items or gift certificates to the Marine's family, writing letters to the Unit or creating care packages.
Donations for Marine Family Members - These items or certificates for service donations would be donated to the Marine’s family members to help support them while the troops are overseas:
car repair services, hair cuts, manicures, flowers, baby supplies (diapers, formula), children’s clothing, school supplies, and grocery gift cards. Prepaid phone calling cards are greatly appreciated to help the troops keep in touch with their loved ones during deployment.
Letter Writing Campaigns - Classes, youth groups, scout troops or others can coordinate letter writing campaigns to the Marine Unit.
Create a Care Package – You can make a care package and include items such as, non-perishable food items (sunflower seeds, beef jerky), life-savers, mints, gum, reading materials (both books and magazines), toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.
Contact Information:
For drop off locations for care packages or for more information, please contact Lyn Dedmon in the City Manager’s Office at 760.726.1340 ext. 1411 or e-mail adopt-a-unit@cityofvista.com.
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Helicopter Marine Light Attack 369 (HMLA-369) enjoys a reputation as a proven combat unit, demonstrating their versatility by conducting humanitarian relief operations in support of Operation Restore Hope, Operation Continue Hope and Operation Distant Runner.
In 1972, the squad was activated in Okinawa and quickly deployed to Vietnam. Known as the ‘Gunfighters’, their efforts were recognized with the Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award in 1972.
In 1977, the squadron was moved to Camp Pendleton where it has earned several recognitions including the Commandant’s Efficiency Trophy in 1982 in recognition for being the most operationally productive squadron in the Marine Corps for 1981.
In January 1986, HMLA-369 reached a milestone of 20,000 accident free flight hours, and in May, was awarded the Fleet Marine Force Pacific Annual Aviation Safety Award for 1985.
In July 1987, the squadron reached 30,000 mishap-free flight hours and in August 1987, it celebrated its fifth anniversary of Class A mishap-free flying.
In 1990, HMLA-369 embarked for Southwest Asia as part of Operation Desert Shield. Throughout the year, the Gunfighters continued their pattern of excellence in maintenance and training and developed new and innovative tactics to combat the Iraqis. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to a victory over Iraq, they received the Squadron of the Year Award by the Marine Corp Aviation Association.
In November 1992, HMLA-369 began participating in Operation Restore Hope, the international United Nations humanitarian relief effort in Somalia.
In July 1998, the Gunfighters surpassed the 40,000 mishap-free flight hour milestone and were awarded a third consecutive Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. For the fourth time in its history, they also received the HMLA Squadron of the Year Award by the Marine Corps Aviation Association.
Following deployments in the Philippines, South Korea and Okinawa the squadron participated in the largest amphibious exercise in the Western Pacific, Kernel Blitz ’01. The Gunfighters were the only HMLA to participate in this exercise. When they underwent a “no-notice” Commanding General’s Inspection in 1990, they received the highest attainable rating and twenty seven Marines receive exemplary comments for their respective functional areas.
In 2002, the Gunfighters began a four-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that operation, they flew over 1,000 hours conducting security operations for tactical and re-supply convoys. Unfortunately, in 2005, the squadron lost two members in Iraq.
In March 2003, the Squad deployed for the first time as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The next month, the Gunfighters carried out over 300 combat missions providing support to Marines on the ground. Known as the ‘go to’ squadron, they met and exceeded all expectations by being the model squadron for mission accomplishment. Although the sweltering temperature was grueling, the members stayed positive and amassed an impressive number of mishap free flight hours.
The squadron was deployed for seven months of 2004 to Okinawa and the South Korea area and was relocated to Camp Pendleton in July. Since then, the group has deployed to Iraq twice. On November 9, 2008, the group deployed to Anbar Province and is presently there.
With a long and illustrious history, HMLA-369 can be proud of its accomplishments. From numerous deployments to Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines, to combat operations in Vietnam, Somalia, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, each and every Gunfighter can say with great enthusiasm and esprit de corps – “Gunfighters Rule!”