HML-167
HML/A-167
2008
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167
HML/A-167
"Warriors"
The "Warriors" trace their ancestry back to HML-167, the only Marine helicopter squadron formed in a combat zone (HML-367 was activated earlier, but was a redesignation of an existing squadron). The squadron operated a mix of armed and unarmed UH-1Es from 1968 until the squadron stood down in May 1971. Two of the squadron's aircraft were the last Marine helicopters to leave Vietnam. The squadron then relocated to MCAS New River, NC. The first UH-1Ns began to replace the E models in June 1971.
In the 1980s, after more than 20 years of operating the UH-1, the squadron added the AH-1T "Sea Cobra" and became HML/A-167. Since Vietnam, HML/A-167 has made numerous deployments to the Mediterranean and Middle East, as part of the East Coast-based MEUs.
In 1988, the Warriors were involved in Operation Praying Mantis, the destruction of Iranian naval craft and fortified oil platforms. One AH-1T was lost with its crew.
During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the Warriors did not deploy to Kuwait or Iraq, but furnished aircraft and personnel to deployed MEUs. HML/A-167 has deployed to Iraq and to Afghanistan in support of the War on Terror.
During 2011, the Warrior's became the first East Coast HMLA to receive the UH-1Y.
Lineage
1968 - 1986
Activated 1 April 1968 at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Republic of Vietnam, as Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Participated in the war in Vietnam, April 1968 - June 1971,
operating from
Marble Mountain.
Relocated during June 1971 to New River, North Carolina, and reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing.
Reassigned during May 1972 to Marine Aircraft Group 29.
Participated in numerous training exercises throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s.
Reassigned during July 1983 to Marine AIrcraft Group 26.
Elements participated as part of the Multinational Peace-Keeping Force in Lebanon, February 1983 - February 1984.
Elements participated in the landings on Grenada - Carriacou, October - November 1983.
Redesignated 1 April 1986 as Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167
1986-2006
During 1988 deplyed to Persian Gulf as Air
Combat Element of CMAGTF 2-88. Participated in Operation
Praying Mantis.
During 2004 participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
Unit Honors
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD STREAMER
Persian Gulf
1988
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with two bronze stars
Vietnam
1969
1971
1990
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with two bronze stars
Vietnam
1968
1970
1971
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with one silver and four bronze stars
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY STREAMER with PALM
VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION - CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER