HMM-166

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166


caption=HMM-166 insignia
dates= *September 13, 1985 - present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= USMC
type= Medium-lift helicopter squadron
role= Assault support
Casevac
size=
command_structure= Marine Aircraft Group 16
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
current_commander= LtCol Christopher Morton
garrison= Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname= Sea Elk
patron=
motto=
colors=YX
colors_label=Tail Code
march=
mascot=
battles= Operation Desert Storm
Operation Restore Hope
Operation Iraqi Freedom
anniversaries=

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (HMM-166) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-46E Sea Knight transport helicopters. The squadron, known as the "SeaElk", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and is attached to Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW). Activated in 1985, HMM-166 is the youngest CH-46 helicopter squadron in the Marine Corps.

History

1980s and 1990s

The squadron was activated on September 13, 1985 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16. They relocated during 1995 to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California and again during 1999 to MCAS Miramar, California

They participated in the following operations:
* 1990 - Operation Desert Shield
* 1991 - Operation Desert Storm
* 1994 - Operation Support Hope
* 1994 - Operation Restore Hope
* 1998 - Operation Southern Watch

Global War on Terror

In 2004, HMM-166 deployed as the aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment they participated in the Battle of Najaf (2004).

On November 5, 2007 the squadron deployed to the Western Pacific as the aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. From December 4 to 6, as part of the 11th MEU, HMM-166 flew 29 humanitarian assistance missions over Bangladesh to transport more than 54,165 pounds of food and supplies and 1875 gallons of water to the people most affected by Tropical Cyclone Sidr [ [http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/ad983156332a819185256cb600677af3/4cfc30f1f136615e852573ad00049045?OpenDocument11th MEU (SOC) successfully completes humanitarian mission] ]

ee also

* United States Marine Corps Aviation
* Organization of the United States Marine Corps
* List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

References

;Notes:Marine Corps

;Bibliography

;Web
* [http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/mag16/hmm166/default.asp HMM-166's official website]