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MAG 46 Det A/Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMA 775) was established on 7 January 1989 at MCAS Camp Pendleton, California. Flight operations commenced with 12 AH-1J (1968 AH-1J's) Sea Cobra. On 01 December 1990, HMA 775 was activated in support of Operation "Desert Shield" and along with MAG 46 Det A personnel, deployed to Southwest Asia on 05 January 1991. The squadron participated in every major campaign from the battle of Khafiji to the final assault on Kuwait City, flying over 970 combat hours and 641 combat sorties. HMA 775 returned to the United States on 15 May 1991. MAG 46 Det A/HMA 775 was the first reserve site to reserve the upgraded SuperCobra, the AH-1W in May 0f 1992.
In January 1993, the MAG 46 Det A/HMA 775 squadron spaces were devastated with a flash flood from the Margarita river. The flood destroyed all the workspaces and caused extensive damage to the aircraft. Despite the damage, within three months all the aircraft were fully operational.
In April 1994, MAG 46 Det A/HMA 775 moved into a new hangar. In June 1994, five UH-1N helicopters were accepted and the squadron was redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA 775) becoming the first HMLA in the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW).
The AH-1W and UH-1N continue to receive upgrades in capabilities. Both airframes are now FLIR and laser capable. The Camp Pendleton location allows unprecedented opportunities to support joint, active and reserve forces on a weekly basis.
Posted : 2005-07-31 12:02
early history
The history of HMLA-775 goes back beyond 1989. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 was originally activated 2 September 1958, at Niagara Falls, NY, as Marine Transport Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMR-775), and assigned to the Organized Marine Corps Reserve. Original strength at activation was 2 Officers. On 28 February 1959 HMR-775, now with 11 Officers and 14 Enlisted, transferred to Willow Grove, PA. On 1 April 1962, the designation was changed to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMM-775). On 30 September 1962 HMM-775 was deactivated.
On 7 December 1987, the squadron was reactivated at Camp Pendleton, CA, as Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMA-775). The squadron was equipped with the aging AH-1J "Sea Cobra". During the first Gulf War HMA-775 served afloat and ashore with MAG-26 (Dec 90-Mar 91). Two aircraft and two crewmen were lost (non-combat). The squadron flew medivac and armed escort missions. In 1995 the squadron was redesignated HMLA-775 to reflect the new mix of AH-1J/UH-1Ns.
Posted : 2005-07-31 19:38
