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HMH-363
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363) is a United States Marine
Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53D Sea Stallion transport
helicopters. The squadron, known as the "Lucky Red Lions", is based at Marine
Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft
Group 24 (MAG-24) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). The squadron is
scheduled to transition to the new MV-22 Osprey with in the next few years.
Mission
The mission of HMH-363 is to provide Assault Support transport of combat troops,
supplies and equipment during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. Be
prepared for short-notice, worldwide employment in support of Marine Air-Ground
Task Force operations.
History
Korean War
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 the "Red Lions", was activated on June 2,
1952, at Santa Ana, California and was designated the "Marine Helicopter
Transport Squadron (MHTS) 363". It was activated as a result of the demands of
the Korean War.
Vietnam War
The squadron was deployed to Vietnam in August 1965 and was involved with
numerous operations, which increased in intensity following the Tet Offensive in
early 1968. On January 23, 1969, the squadron was redeployed back to California
and was designated "Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363" (HMH-363) after having
received the Sikorsky CH-53A transport helicopter.
Post-Vietnam
In October 1972, the squadron was the first unit to receive the powerful CH-53D.
In March 1977, the squadron was selected to participate in the operational
evalutation of the USS Tarawa (LHA-1), the first of the new large and modern
amphibious ships. In early 1983, the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit
Citation.
The Squadron provided relief efforts and humanitarian support in the Philippines
following a devastating earthquake and flood in 1990. HMH-363 flew countless
missions and over 500 flight hours in 3 1/2 weeks, delivering food, clothing,
and shelter to inhabitants living in remote areas of the Philippines. The
squadron received the Humanitarian Service Medal for its relief effort.
CH-53D Sea Stallions from HMH-363 on the flightline at MCB Hawaii on January 12,
2006.During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, HMH-363 supported the 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing in Okinawa and returned to California in May 1991, terminating its
unit rotations to Okinawa after this eleven month deployment. In December 1992,
the squadron participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and was awarded
the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
The squadron has also supported Joint Task Force Six at Fort Bliss, Texas.
During August 1996, the RED LIONS relocated to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe
Bay and were reassigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Global War on Terror
A CH-53D from HMH-363 flying in Iraq.From Fall 2006 to Spring 2007 HMH-363
deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based at Al Asad, this
was the unit's first deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. During
Operation Iraqi Freedom HMH-363 flew 848.8 hours in one month.
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