VMF-461
Disney design
"Red Raiders"
HMR(M)-461
HMH-461
"Disco Pony"
Courtesy of Capt. Doug Ogden
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461
HMH-461
"Iron Horse"
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 began life during WW2 as
a fighter squadron. After absorbing the aircraft and personnel of
VMF-462 and VMF-472 in October 1944, the squadron became a
replacement-training squadron. After the end of the war, VMF-461
relocated to Cherry Point, NC and joined MAG-11 prior to
deactivating in February 1950.
In January 1957 the squadron was reactivated as HMR(M)-461 and
became the first HR2S/CH-37C squadron in the Marine Corps. The
squadron became HMH-461 in 1962. HMH-461 supported the 2d MAW
throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. In 1965 the squadron made the
only full squadron deployment of the CH-37. HMH-461 transitioned
to the new CH-53A in 1966. The squadron now operates the CH-53E
at MCAS New River, North Carolina.
During the 1990s HMH-461 found itself supporting Marine Corps
operations throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean.
The squadron was deployed to SW Asia during Desert
Shield/Desert Storm and continues to support the East Coast
Expeditionary Units. Most recently, HMH-461 has deployed to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
LINEAGE
Activated 15 March 1944 at El Centro, CA, as
MARINE FIGHTING SQUADRON 461 (VMF-461).
Deactivated February 1950.
Reactivated 12 January 1957 at New River, NC,
as MARINE HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SQUADRON (MEDIUM) 461
(HMR(M)-461).
Redesignated 1 February 1962 as MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON
461 (HMH-461).
Participated in numerous deployments and operations during the
1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Participated in Operations Desert Shield/Storm,
1990-91.
Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom (2003- )
UNIT HONORS
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with three bronze stars
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDTIONARY STREAMER
- Nicknames: "Red Raiders" (ca.1950); "Sea Stallions"; "Iron Horse"
- ID Code: PA 1946-48; LP 1948-50; CJ 1958-
- Aircraft: F4U; HR2S (CH-37C); CH-53A/D/E
- Squadron Web Page: HMH-461 (Official site)