Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-266 [HMM-266]
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 was activated to MAG 26 at MCAS New River on 26 April 1983 as part of the "mirror image MAGs" reorganization. In the 14 years of its existence, the "Fighting Griffins" have deployed to far off places such as Southwest Asia, Somalia, Haiti, and participated in NATO deployments off the coast of the Former Yugoslavia in support of "real-world" contingencies.
Prior to August 1991, the Squadron deployed to Norway, Honduras, and the Caribbean in support of fleet training as well as multiple deployments to Marine Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA and Combined Arms Exercises at MCAGCC Twenty Nine Palms, CA. Since then, HMM-266 has deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Landing Force Sixth Fleet 1-92, 1-94, and 2-96.
The Squadron therefater participated in three exercises in cooperation with the countries of Spain, Israel, and Greece, and supported Operation SILVER KNIGHT in Albania and Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR/NOBLE ANVIL during the six month deployment as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). Lastly, the Squadron participated extensively in Humanitarian Assistance Operations in North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd in August 1999.
HMM-266 has been recognized by receiving the Edward C. Dyer Award as the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 1999 and the CNO Safety Award for the years of 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998. Additionally, the Squadron has been awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for service in Southwest Asia, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Southwest Asia Service, and the National Defense Service Streamers.
