Saipan (LHA 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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CPL M. Kerteriing CPL R. Everiti LCPL L. Jandel LCPL J. Hlsey LCPL W. Heverly LCPL F. Villalobos LCPL T. Kwekel LCPL W. Ploss LCPL J. Scott GYSGT E. Bussman SSGT H. Wood SGT E. Newcom CPL A. Bonene CPL E. Battle CPL G. Lobo LCPL J. Villafare LCPL K. Hamilton LCPL A. Jarrells LCPL J. Perez f V ,,-4' IVISSG

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SSGT E. Mitchell SSGT W. Varnold CPL A. Collier CPL M. Henson CPL D. Sappington LCPL J. Acosta LCPL C. Brannan LCPL J. Catron LCPL T. Ferrante LCPL F. Gaddy LCPL A. Hardwick LCPL H. Helmer LCPL Fi. McClure LCPL D. Mead LCPL J. Miller LCPL D. Morse LCPL P. Perkins LCPL D. Fioys LCPL P. Romano LCPL W. Rogers LCPL J. Schmidt LCPL A. Skorstad LCPL J. Sosinski LCPL D. Stelianoy 1st LT R. Morrison ANGLICO CPL J. Hamilton

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i I THE HISTORY DF MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUAD-162 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-162 was commissioned in June of 1951 at the Marine Corps Air Facility Santa I1Ana, Califomia. In July 1953 the squadron deployed to Hanshin, Japan. It was later moved to the Naval Air Facility at I II I I 4 I I I I I I I I Oppama, Japan where it worked in conjunction with the 3rd Marine Division. ln February 1959, HMR lLi-162 was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, North Carolina, vlmere it became a unit of Marina Aircraft Group-26. Duri the summer months HMR ILl-162 was involved in relief operations in the Gulf Coast area in the aftermath of Hurricanenzarla. ln June 1962 HMR lLi-162 deeplcged to Udorn, Thailand. The squadron was redesignated to HMM-162 the same year. On Januarbd, 1963, HMM-1 2 eployed to Danang, South Vietnam. The squadron returned to the United States and relocated to CAF, New River 17 June 1963, During the summer of 1966 the squadron flew over 1,000 hours per month while accmulating over 10.000 accident rs free hou . ln November 1970, HMM-162 successfully completed shipboard and amphibious operations aboard the USS Cor- onado. The operation included troop lifts, cargo transfers and carrier qualifications. HMM-162 deployed to the Mediterranean on 17 April 1971 aboard the USS GUAM in support of the 32nd MAU. After returning from the Med deployment HMM-162 settled into garrison life. Dun this non-deployed period the squadron participated in many exercises including Exotic Dancer and Exploit AIg28, a trainin exercise to evaluate the capab lities of the AV-8A Harrier aboard an LPH. On 30 April 1974, HMM-162 deployedqwith the 34th MAU to the Mediterranean. During this deployment HMM-162 participated in Operation Nimbus StarfMoon and evacuation of U.S. Nationals from the Island of Cyprus. Leaving for the Mediterranean on 6 January 1976, HMM-162 joined the 34th MAU. Deplgjyed aboard the LPH Guadalcanal, the squadron monitored the unrest in Europe. Durin February 1978, the aqua ron was deployed to Naval Station Roosevelt ROQGS, Puerto Rico to support the 38th MRU for READEX 1-78. i in was not readil available From 23 Au ust to 31 October 1978 HMM 1520 took a North Atlantic cruise aboard I 'I This exercise demonstrated the squadrons ability to provide rapid helicopter sup rt in the Caribbean area when naval l I I th PD Y - 9 - ' the US8 Guadalcandal with the 4th MAB forces The squadron supported NATO exercises Northern Weddlng and Bold Guard. On 21 December 1978 HMM-162 received its first CH-46E helicopters, making it the first tactIcal squadron with the newest model helicopter On 3 July 1979, the Golden Eagles of HMM-16 received the Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Aviation Safety Award of 4,724 accident-free flight hours. he award was especially meaningful because HMM-162 amassed the accident free hours while SUCCGSSIUII5 integrating the new helicopter into he fleet's ln- ventorg. During the period 10 October to 16 November 1979 HMM-16 was assijgned to the 38th AU and deployed to the U. . Naval Base , Guantanamo Ban Cuba for REINFORCEX 1-80 From 9 uly to 7 December 1980 the squadron was embarked aboard the USS SAIPA for readex 3-80 From 28 August 1980 to 23 February 1981 HMM-162 served as the Combat Aviation Element of the 34th MAU, The squadron took part in several other exercises including: Team Work-80 and Pl-llBLEX 12-80. On 10 January 1983 HMM-162 detached from Marine Aircraft Group-26 and lolned xlylvarine Aircraft Group-29 as a step in the helicopter aircraft group reorganization within the Second Marine AIrcraft ln g. Embarked aboard the USS lWO JIMA from 11 May to 7 December 1983, HMM-162 served as the Air Combat Element j of the 24th MAU. Duringothis period the squadron conducted dai? flight operations in the Beirut, Lebanon area. The squadron flew over 7,4 deployed fli ht hours, setting a new L 6F light hour record. Located at MCAS New Fliver from December 1983 to January 1983, HMM-162 participated in several exercises and received two awards. The squadron flew over 20,000 accident-free hours and received the F MFLant Annual Aviation Safety Award for 1983. On 25 September 1984, HMM-162 received its second maior award of the year, the National Defense Transportation Association Unit Award for 1984. The squadron was aboard the USS Saipan from January to August 1985 as the 24th MAU Air Combat Element. The squadron conducted daily flight operations and accrued 4,675 hours, carrying 20,625 passengers and 3,218,716 n pou ds of car o. ln October T985 the squadron supported Combined Arms Operation-86. In November HMM-162 participated in a MAG-31 training exercise, the tactical insertfextract of Golf Company 218 at OLF Atlantic. A detachment also deplcged to Puerto Rico to support Allied Caribe 85, where a variety of training flights were conducted in support of MAR ET UNITAS and a French Contin ent. In its 35 year history, HMTM-162 has earned the following unit awards, each represented by a streamer on the squadrons color: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with bronze star, Meritorious Unit.Commenda- hon with bronze star, National Defense Medal with bronze star, Korean Service, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with two bronze stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Viet- nam Cross of Gallantry with palm streamer. .gi ias