HML-268
| Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 | |
|---|---|
VMM-268 insignia
|
|
| Active |
|
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Medium Lift Tiltrotor Squadron |
| Role | Conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces |
| Part of | |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Hawaii |
| Nickname(s) | Red Dragons |
| Motto(s) | "Just Real Players" |
| Tail Code | YQ |
| Mascot(s) | Trixxie |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LtCol "Sugar Ray" Robinson |
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of MV-22 transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Red Dragons", is based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW).
Provide assault support to the landing force in the ship to shore movement and in subsequent operations ashore.
Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 268 (HML-268) was activated on September 15, 1972 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. HML-268 was deactivated on September 30, 1977.
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (HMM-268) was activated on March 1, 1979 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. The squadron was designated for medium lift and equipped with CH-46 helicopters. The squadron returned to MCAS Tustin on August 31, 1980. A high tempo of operations was maintained through the 10,000-accident free flight hour milestone, which the squadron attained on September 18, 1981. Additionally, during this period, the Red Dragons were the recipients of the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for 1981.
Upon returning to the United States, the squadron was officially designated as the 3rd MAW's "Night Assault Squadron". Within 90 days of designation, the "Night Raiders" of HMM-268 implemented an aggressive Night Vision Goggle (NVG) program. During February 1984 the squadron surpassed the 10,000-hour mishap-free flight hour mark.
Between May 1989 and November 1990 the Red Dragons participated in numerous exercises including MAGTF 89-3 deployed aboard the USS Ogden, in support of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup. During this period, HMM-268 passed the 20,000 mishap-free flight hour milestone.
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