Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-165 (REIN) unveiling Vietnam-era markings on a repainted CH-46; celebrating the 35th anniversary of the flight which evacuated the U.S. Ambassador from the Saigon Embassy.

EVENT TIME/PLACE/LOCATION: Friday, 30 April 2010, 1000 (10am, PST), MCAS Miramar Flying Leatherneck Museum.

BACKGROUND: The CH-46 on currently display at MCAS Miramar's Flying Leatherneck Museum flew with HMM-165 during the Vietnam War.

On Friday, 30 April, HMM-165 (REIN) is going to unveil the aircraft, repainted as it looked during Vietnam. 30 April is the 35th anniversary (of the same aircraft's) flight which evacuated the Ambassador from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. The actual pilot, Gerry Berry (Ret. USMC Col.) is likely to attend.

THEME: Special events like these, rightfully honors the service of our veterans who "set-the-standard" for those who currently serve the nation today.

HMM-165 plans to host this as a squadron event, recognizing Vietnam veterans from their (White Knights) namesake reunion group, online at http://www.hmm165whiteknights.com/ .

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, 30 APRIL 2010

TIME EVENT
0930 GUESTS ARRIVE
0945-0955 GUESTS OCCUPY/FIND SEATING
1000 CEREMONIES BEGIN
-INTRODUCTIONS/VIPs RECOGNIZED
-SPEECHES
-PRESENTATION/UNVEILING OF AIRCRAFT
1030 END OF CEREMONIES
1030-1100 GROUP PICTURES/TOUR AIRCRAFT
1100 RECEPTION AT MCAS MIRAMAR OFFICERS CLUB

ADDITIONAL NOTES
-Timing for event planning, coordinating invites, etc is limited, due to squadron's deployment date & actual flight's anniversary.
-Can't rely on 'snail-mail.' I'm using 'online' methods, along with word of mouth to spread awareness. -I've already advised with local area Vietnam vets, and interest is high.

Feel free to spread the word through your respective networks, as we would be happy to host fellow warriors for this special event, especially if they live near here!

Hope you receive this in a timely fashion.

S/F,
Jay

JAY DELAROSA
Maj., U.S. Marine Corps
Consolidated Public Affairs
MCAS Miramar | 858-577-8922