4 inch VMM-262 Flying Tigers Full Color PVC Squadron Patch - Hook and Loop. Teeth and Eyes Glow in the Dark
Early years
A green helicopter hovers low over the water, with the Mercury capsule suspended below. The helicopter has "Marines" written on it, and the number "44"
Marine Corps HUS-1 helicopter from HMR-262 retrieves Freedom 7 from the Atlantic
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 was activated in September 1951 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and designated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 262 (HMR-262). Although activated during the Korean War, the squadron remained on the U.S. east coast providing helicopter support for the Fleet Marine Force units of that area. In February 1952, the Squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26. During July 1954, the Squadron was relocated to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina where it remained until 1966.
On February 1, 1962, the Squadron's designation was changed to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 and, in April through June 1965, HMM-262 participated in Operation Powerpack in the Dominican Republic.
Vietnam
HMM-262 was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in December 1966 and subsequently reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron supported operation during the Vietnam War and operated from Kỳ Hà, Marble Mountain, Quảng Trị, Phu Bai and USS Tripoli while participating in numerous operations throughout the country.
Post Vietnam
With the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, HMM-262 relocated to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii during 1971 and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 24.
While stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, HMM-262 provided helicopter support to the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade, FMF. In December 1976, HMM-262 was designated as the first Hawaii-based helicopter squadron to deploy to the western Pacific as a composite squadron. The squadron deployed aboard USS Tripoli