History
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 was formed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina on 22 February 1971 and activated on 1 July 1971 as the Marine Corps first designated Attack Helicopter squadron.
Equipped with the AH-1J Sea Cobra, HMA-269’s mission was to provide close-in fire support during aerial and ground escort operations during ship to shore movement and subsequent operations ashore.
In December 1977, HMA-269 took delivery of the first AH-1T (TOW) Cobra. The squadron opened a new era of attack helicopter aviation in 1979 by being the first Marine Corps squadron to fire the TOW anti-tank missile from an airborne platform. From that day, HMLA-269 has not relinquished the lead in developing a wide range of new anti-armor tactics. In the early 1980s, with the addition of the UH-1N, HMLA-269 expanded its primary mission to include utility helicopter support. Though heavily committed, HMLA-269 maintained its impressive list of firsts; first flight testing of biochemical protective suits in the AH-1T (TOW), first flight testing of fast rope insertion equipment, first to refine the TOW missile engagement gun and missile radars. Additionally, the squadron participated in the first actual movement of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) assets in an air contingency drill. In 1986, the Gunrunners achieved yet another first when they fired a Sidewinder air-to-air missile at a target drone over the Desert of China Lake. These achievements earned the squadron a Meritorious Unit Commendation and selection as the Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 1986.
In 1990, the Gunrunners deployed to Southwest Asia with twelve AH-1Ws, three AH-1Ts, and six UH-1Ns. These assets participated in 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) major exercises during Operation DESERT SHIELD. During operation DESERT STORM, the squadron conducted critical, on-call, close-in fire support, escort for minesweeping aircraft, Surface Combat Air Patrol, and air intercept operations. Meanwhile, Gunrunner Hueys played a vital role in the raid on Faylaka Island, firing in excess of seventy-five 2.75 rockets at fortified Iraqi positions under NVG low light level conditions.
Following the Gulf War, the Gunrunners continued to support requirements of Landing Force Sixth Fleet (LF6F) deployments in such areas as Yugoslavia, Somalia, and the Middle East. The squadron supported numerous 2d MAW and Marine Forces Atlantic exercises, both CONUS and abroad, including exercises in Norway and Puerto Rico. In 1994, the Gunrunners were tasked with providing a short notice detachment to HMM-264 for Special Purpose MAGTF-CARIB in support of Operation UPHOLD/SUPPORT DEMOCRACY in Haiti. One year later, in June 1995, two Gunrunner Cobras assigned to HMM-263 escorted two CH-53Es from the USS Kearsarge to successfully rescue Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady. During this deployment, HMLA-269 also became the first squadron to deploy the new Night Targeting System on all of its Cobras; adding increased combat compatibility to the forward deployed forces. Being named the HMLA-269 Squadron of the Year rewarded the squadron’s hard efforts that year.
In 1997, the squadron also supported detachments with LF6F deployments that supported Operation ASSURED RESPONSE in Liberia. The HMLA detachment assigned to HMM-365 supported Operation SILVER WAKE in Albania and Operation GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL in the Congo.
In recognition of its hard-earned reputation for setting the standard in attack helicopter aviation, the Gunrunners were designated the Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year in 1998 by the Marine Corps Aviation Association.
In the wake of the events on September 11, 2001, the Gunrunners attached to HMM-365 (REIN) with 26th MEU (SOC) and flew combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) from forward operating Bases Rhino and Kandahar in Afghanistan. In 2002, the Gunrunners attached to HMM-263 (REIN) with the 24th MEU (SOC) flying in Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, OEF, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In January of 2003, the Gunrunners deployed as a squadron in support of OIF. In 55 days, HMLA-269 flew nearly 3,000 combat hours maintaining 24-hour operations with no personnel losses due to enemy action or mishaps. Gunrunners delivered deadly fire on enemy positions protecting our Marines as they pressed towards Baghdad.
The Gunrunners continued to deploy to Iraq. They deployed in support of OIF during 2005, 2006, and 2007. During 2005 the Gunrunners flew more than 5,951 hours and 3,994 sorties. In 2006 they flew over 5,452 hours and 4,025 sorties. In 2007 the Gunrunners flew over 4,791 hours and 3,478 sorties. Between each deployment the squadron’s Marines were home for a period of only 5 months before reentering the fight.
In August 2008, the Gunrunners deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of OIF and OEF. The Gunrunners main body resided in Al Asad, Iraq and their detachment of 4 AH-1Ws and 51 personnel were sent to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. In December of 2008, HMLA-269s main body was called upon to make a difficult intra-theater movement to Al Taqaddum, Iraq. The Gunrunners were tasked with conducting their cross country movement while maintaining uninterrupted combat operations. The Gunrunners rose to the occasion and executed the move with nonstop combat support. OIF and OEF combined, the Gunrunners flew over 3,800 hours and 3,294 sorties. During this deployment the Gunrunners adopted their notorious deployment call sign “Lawman” and the use of the Lawman Star.
Once again, after only five months at home, the Gunrunners deployed to Iraq. In August of 2009, the squadron departed for Iraq in support of OIF where they maintained dual site operations at Al Asad and Al Taqqadum. In December 2009, the Gunrunners left Iraq as the last Marine Corps attack aircraft to be stationed in Iraq in support of OIF. While deployed the squadron flew 1,821 combat hours in support of 1,963 sorties. Following the squadron’s return to MCAS New River, they were announced as the recipients of the Marine Corps Aviation Associations HMLA of the year award for 2009.
In May of 2011, the squadron minus deployed to Regional Command Southwest in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11.1-11.2. Operating out of Forward Operating Base Dwyer the squadron flew over 3,100 combat hours in support of over 2,650 sorties. While providing Close Air Support to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, HMLA-269 became the first squadron to shoot a HELLFIRE in combat using the RQ-7 Shadow UAS as the designating platform. HMLA-269 also spearheaded the development of UAS “buddy-LASE” tactics, techniques, and procedures now universally used by VMU and attack squadrons. The squadron left Afghanistan in January of 2012.
In December of 2011, the squadron supported HMM-265(REIN) and the 31st MEU with a detachment of H-1s. Gunrunners participated in Exercise Ssang Yong, a combined, MEB-level amphibious exercise, and theater security cooperation efforts until their return in June of 2012. A squadron detachment deployed with VMM-261 (REIN) and the 24th MEU in February of 2012.
April 2012 marked the beginning of the squadron’s transition to the UH-1Y with maintenance personnel attending Differences Training at Camp Pendleton. In July, the first series conversion pilots finished Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 and the squadron received its first two UH-1Ys. At the end of 2012, MAG-29 designated the squadron as the lead for entry level series conversion pilot training, a first for an east coast HMLA.
Throughout 2013 and 2014, the Gunrunners supported numerous CONUS exercises including two Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) External Air Support events and a Bold Alligator in November of 2014. While supporting these exercises, the Squadron also continued to support MEU Detachments sourcing the 22nd and 24th MEUs simultaneously beginning in 2013 into 2015.
HMLA-269 began 2015 with initial Digital Interoperability (DI) training, a capability that allows multiple cockpits and friendly forces on the ground to join the same network on handheld devices, greatly enhancing the situational awareness of everyone involved. HMLA-269 conducted DI training with Infantry Officers Course, Marine Special Operations Command (MarSOC), and Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic (EWTGLant) in 2015. This led to reception of intelligence systems’ and UAS’ video feed in the AH-1W cockpit for the first time. While DI training took place stateside, the Gunrunner family also detached Marines in support of the 24th MEU and Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 15-2. During UDP 15-2 the squadron supported Aviation Assault Support Exercise (AASE) and Bilateral Tactical Exercise (BiTACEX) 15.2 in the Philippines. This detachment integrated day and night flights with academic training alongside Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel, representing several firsts. HMLA-269 also took part in Operation Blue Chromite, during which Gunrunner aircraft participated in validating the VMM Spider FARP concept, conducting both refueling and rearming operations at an expeditionary site. By the end of UDP, HMLA-269 received a Bravo Zulu from the Commanding Officer of MAG-31 for both operational excellence and unprecedented aircraft readiness. For their dedication to professionalism and can-do spirit, the Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded HMLA-269 the John P. Giguere Award for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year 2016 Award.
In 2016, the Gunrunners of HMLA-269 continued to demonstrate their tireless devotion to mission accomplishment while simultaneously operating in as many as five separate locations world-wide. These locations include supporting Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING (OOL) with the 22nd MEU, WTI courses 2-16 and 1-17, Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, the 24th and 31st MEU, and maintaining an operational squadron minus supporting II MEF at home. The 22nd MEU was directed to the Gulf of Sidra in support of OOL near the city of Sirte, Libya. OOL supported U.S. Special Operations Forces which enabled the Government of National Accord (GNA) to liberate the city of Sirte from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Libya (ISIL-L). During the operation, the HMLA detachment delivered 164 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles against ISIL-L elements within the urban confines of Sirte. The detachment demonstrated its operational flexibility by conducting AGM-114 strikes from three different ships, which included the first AGM-114 delivery in combat from an LPD-17 class ship and the first AGM-114 delivered in combat from a Military Sealift Command (MSC) Maritime Support Vessel (MSV). Because of the operational constraints placed on H-1 employment, the detachment pioneered new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to maximize offensive fires against the enemy. These innovative TTPs included delivering AGM-114s from higher altitudes and greater ranges than any HMLA had previously attempted. Of the 164 Hellfire employed, 64% were delivered within danger close distances, enabling friendly forces to maneuver in contested urban terrain. In May, HMLA-269 deployed a detachment to the 31st MEU who would soon conduct three operational exercises while afloat, in the vicinity of Guam, Philippines, and Okinawa. During the ship’s transit of the contested waterways near Chinese-questioned Spratly Islands, the HMLA-269 detachment positioned a UH-1Y facing aft on the flight deck of the USS GREEN BAY and utilized the Britestar (FLIR) to detect, identify, and record People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels shadowing the GREEN BAY. The GREEN BAY had no organic night vision devices available, and when the ship’s Commanding Officer expressed concern about the tracking and identification of these shadowing vessels, the detachments WTIs pioneered this method. This technique would later be incorporated into the ship’s standard operating procedure for future deployments. In August, the squadron supported a third detachment to the 24th MEU and with the squadron stretched thin, a fourth detachment supported Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-17 in September. The WTI detachment became the fourth element of HMLA-269 to simultaneously operate away from the flag, making HMLA-269 a five-sited squadron.
In 2017, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 led the Fleet in readiness, execution, and innovation. The Gunrunners achieved over 85,000 mishap free maintenance hours, over 5,000 mishap free flight hours, and over 3,000 sorties as an HMLA minus (-). With the implementation of an annual Campaign Plan and integrated Maintenance/Operations Plan, the squadron’s two structural giants were able to work in tandem to sustain the highest aircraft readiness and operational tempo, unrivaled by any other HMLA. Over the year, the Gunrunners flew over 118% of their SORTIE Based Training Plan, while simultaneously averaging 15 of 23 Ready Based Aircraft and maintaining a T-1 readiness rating. The Gunrunners conducted deployments for training to Fort Drum, NY; Avon Park, FL; and Alpena, MI to further refine tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs) for close air support, forward air controller (airborne), assault support, utility operations, and Joint and SOF interoperability. On top of peerless readiness and execution, HMLA 269 influenced the future of DI by providing the bedrock for 2d MAW DI efforts. HMLA-269 directly influenced the innovation, standardization, and execution of DI tactical application throughout the Wing, with an indelible impact across the Marine Corps.
2018 saw the Gunrunners execute exercise Trident Juncture in Norway while embarked on the USS Iwo Jima in order to project power and keep NATO adversaries at bay from our allies. Shortly after, the Gunrunners executed a change of operational posture (CHOP) for a detachment of four AH-1Ws and three UH-1Ys to VMM-264 (REIN) for a deployment on the 22d MEU where they returned to Libya to support Operation Odyssey Resolve on the USS Arlington. In support of U.S. Special Operations forces on the ground, the HMLA-269 detachment played a vital role in maritime security and power projection to maintain stability between the GNA and Libyan National Army (LNA). In 2019 the squadron was the first light attack unit to conduct training with the 2nd Marine Division at the inaugural MAGTF Warfighting Exercise (MWX) at ITX 1-20 at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.
In 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic lead to significant adversity across the range of military operations, training, and readiness. In response, the Gunrunners displayed their flexibility, adaptability, and dedication to mission accomplishment by mitigating COVID-19 with deconflicted teams working separate schedules that kept the squadron running. The Gunrunner’s unique solution to alleviate the risks associated with COVID-19 enabled the squadron to continue flight operations, stay in the fight, and stand ready to support the MAGTF. In the midst of the pandemic, HMLA-269 was able to fly 64 percent of its forecasted flight hour goals despite the squadron working in two separate teams that totaled only fifty percent manning at any given time. As COVID related restrictions lifted over the course of the year, the Gunrunners made it a point to solidify their position as the Marine Corps’ premier light attack aviation unit for advanced base, joint, and integrated operations. In doing so, they pioneered embedded direct support operations with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and also participated in the multinational exercise Jaded Thunder at Salina, KS and Exercise Shark Flag at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. These training evolutions proved the Gunrunners’ dedication to readiness, mission accomplishment, and the progressive development of advanced joint TTPs.
In accordance with the vision outlined by Force Design 2030 HMLA-269 was deactivated in 2022 following a long and storied history. Prior to folding the flag, the Gunrunners chopped a final detachment in support of the 26th MEU (SOC). This 4/3 of aircraft and 19 pilots led by Maj “Jim” Johnson joined VMM-162 (REIN) following the Gunrunner’s last flight and went on to deploy in July of 2023. This detachment went on to spend nearly eight months forward-deployed as the TRI-COM crisis response force flying hundreds of combat hours in support of Operations MEDUSA GLARE, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, HYDRA HAMMER, HYDRA TALON, HYDRA SHIELD, and more. Following the 26th MEU’s homecoming in March of 2024 the remaining Gunrunners relocated to the old hanger and began preparations for the reactivation on 1 July 2024.
Throughout the Gunrunner’s storied history, HMLA-269 has led the way in innovation and taking the fight to the enemy. The current Gunrunner generation has provided technological advances without neglecting the hard work and tireless effort it takes to operate as an HMLA at the top of its game. The Gunrunners’ assertive and adaptive mindset advanced not only HMLA TTPs, but also set the standard for Marine Aviation writ large. Upholding such high standards and the legacy set by Gunrunners past, today’s generation of Gunrunners continue to answer the call of duty and strive with creative effort and relentless work ethic to not only uphold their motto of “Protect the Innocent - Punish the Guilty,” but set the bar for those to come as the First and Finest HMLA in the Marine Corps.