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Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-773, Detachment A [HMLA-773]

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Seven Sixty Five [HMM-765] was moved to Naval Air Station Atlanta in June 1968 and began the history of Marine helicopters in Atlanta with seven officers, 12 enlisted men and one UH-34D Sikorsky helicopter. The squadron grew rapidly and when the UH-34's were nearing the end of their service life, the squadron received Bell UH-1E "Huey" gunship helicopter and was redesignated as Marine Light Helicopter Squadron Seven Sixty Five (HML-765) in July 1971. During this period, HML-765 was the only "Huey" squadron in the Marine Corps selected to retain the gunship mission. This gunship experience was no doubt an important consideration when the decision was made to relocate "Cobra" helicopters from the west coast. On July 1, 1976, the squadron received its first AH-1G "Cobra" helicopters and was redesignated as Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron Seven Seven Three (HMA-773). In late 1978 the squadron transitioned into the AH-1J "Sea Cobra".

Throughout the 80's, HMA-773 refined its war fighting skills through myriad training and operational exercises.

In November of 1990, HMA-773 was the first reserve helicopter squadron to be activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Sheild/Storm aboard the USS New Orleans and USS Tripoli. The squadron distinguished itself with mine sweeping escort and combat missions during the war.

October 8, 1992 began a new era for HMA-773 with the arrival of its first AH-1W "Super Cobra". This new capability enhanced the war fighting scope of the squadron and brought it to the forefront in Attack helicopter support.

In November 1993, HMA-773 began receiving UH-1Ns and personnel from the other deactivated units and made the transition to the "Mirror Image" unit redesignated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron Seven Seven Three (HMLA-773) in 1994.

In October 1997, a detachment from the parent squadron was established at NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA consisting of 6 AH-1Ws and 4 UH-1Ns.

The mission of HMLA-773 Det A is to provide the Active Component a Combat Ready Force to augment and reinforce regular forces in Major Regional Contingency (MRC) and to provide relief to these forces during times of high tempo operations. Training must be such that this integration is seamless. Additionally, HMLA-773 Det A will reach out to the community in which it serves to tell the Marine Corps story, establish a civilian support base, and when so tasked, to provide assistance to the community during emergencies or disaster relief.