HMM-166

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VMM-166

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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