Marine Light Attack helicopter squadron 369
On June 24, 2008, the Vista City Council "adopted" Marine Squadron 369, a helicopter squadron within the Marine Aircraft group 39, 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.
History of the Unit
1972
The squadron 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.
1977
The squadron was moved to Camp Pendleton, where it has earned several recognitions including the Commandant's Efficiency trophy in recognition for being the most operationally productive squadron in the Marine Corps for 1981.
1990
The squadron embarked for Southwest Asia as part of Operation Desert Shield.
2000's
The squadron has completed numerous humanitarian operations in the Middle East and is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in fall, 2011.