HMH-464
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. The squadron is known as the "Condors" and is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. They fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). History World War II Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 464 (VMSB-464) was activated on April 15, 1944 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California to train personnel. Their status changed in October of that year as they were designated a replacement training squadron. They were redesignated Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 464 (VMTB-464) on June 1, 1945. Following the surrender of Japan the squadron was deactivated as part of the general draw down of all US forces on March 10, 1946. 1980s Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) was reactivated under the Command of LtCol Flynn at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina on March 1, 1981 tasked to receive and introduce the CH-53E Super Stallion to the Fleet Marine Force. It became the first Marine squadron to receive the first production CH-53E aircraft in mid-1981. In 1983, four of the squadrons CH-53E aircraft along with pilots and supporting ground crew, deployed as part of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit aboard the USS Iwo Jima to Beirut, Lebanon. This was the first shipboard deployment of the new aircraft. While in theater, the aircraft provided heavy lift support during the deployment, and provided critical support during the aftermath of the tragic October 23 bombing of the Marine barracks. The 10,000 mishap-free flight hour mark was attained in September 1984. Following Combined Arms Exercise 6/7, HMH-464 attained another first by flying non-stop from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona to MCAS New River, utilizing aerial refueling to cover a distance of . The squadron was proud to be honored by the Marine Corps Aviation Association as the recipient of the Commandant's Aviation Efficiency Trophy for 1987. The Gulf War & the 1990s After Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, HMH-464 provided eight CH-53Es and 84 Marines for the initial deployment to the Persian Gulf on August 16, 1990. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the squadron played a key role in providing assault support to the 1st Marine Division as it prepared to liberate Kuwait. The Condors flew 304 combat sorties during Operation Desert Storm, delivering 2,167,150 pounds of cargo and transporting 1,686 passengers. The squadron returned from Southwest Asia in May 1991 and soon surpassed the 15,000-hour mishap free milestone. In February 1993, HMH-464 was awarded the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General's Trophy, recognizing the squadron as the finest in the Wing. In October, the Condors surpassed the 20,000 mishap free flight hours milestone. During the month of March 1994, the Condors assisted with the loading of ships for the Haiti crisis, enabling the forces to deploy on time. At the end of July 1994, HMH-464 detached four aircraft and 50 personnel to