HMM-166
VMM-166
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166
VMM-166
"Sea Elk"
VMM-166 was activated as HMM-166 in 1985 and was the last CH-46 squadron to activate within MAG-16. Since its activation, VMM-166 has performed a variety of military missions including combat operations (Somalia), humanitarian operations (Somalia and Rwanda), and supporting UN forces in southern Iraq.
On 23 June 2010, HMM-166 was redesignated VMM-166 and became the second West Coast "Osprey" squadron.
Lineage
1985-2011
Activated 13 September 1985 at Tustin, California as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific.
Participated in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, August 1990 - April 1991
Participated in operation Support Hope, Rwanda and Zaire, July - August 1994
Participated in Operation Restore Hope, Somalia, September 1994
Participated in operations Vigilant Warrior, Southwest Asia,October 1994
Relocated during 1995 to El Toro, California
Participated in operation Southern Watch, Southwest Asia, December 1996 - January 1997
Relocated during 1999 to MCAS, Miramar, California
Redesignated 23 June 2010 as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166.
Honors
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT
AWARD
Rwanda-Zaire 1994
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze
star
Southwest Asia
1990-1991
1994
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze
star
1987
2000
NATIONAL DEFENCE SERVICE STREAMER with 1 bronze
star
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER with 1 bronze
star
- NICKNAME: "Sea Elk"
- ID CODE: YX 1985-
- AIRCRAFT: CH-46E; MV-22B
- WEBSITE: VMM-166 (Official)