HMM-262 redesignated as VMM-262

Photo By Cpl. Natalie Rostran | Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown salutes the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 unit colors as they pass in review Aug. 30 during a redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.30.2013

Story by Cpl. Matthew Manning 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, Okinawa - Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262) was redesignated as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (VMM-262) during a ceremony today at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

HMM-262, which is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force was originally activated Sept. 1, 1951 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 262 (HMR-262) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N. C. and redesignated to HMM-262 Feb. 1, 1962 when the unit began using the CH-46 helicopter.

“Since your activation nearly 62 years ago, on Sept. 1, 1951, you have served with distinction as a continuously forward deployed unit for over half of your existence,” said Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commanding general of 1st MAW, III MEF.

“With a long and proud history which includes combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as humanitarian operations on the island of Kauai after Hurricane Iniki, tsunami disaster relief in the Republic of the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, and mainland Japan during support of Operations Tomodachi, you constantly demonstrated undaunted versatility. I have no doubt that you will continue this exceptional legacy with this new chapter in your history. I wish you all the best in this transition and expect nothing less than the continued operational excellence for which the tigers are known.”

The squadron was redesignated today as VMM-262 to reflect the MV-22B Osprey as the squadron’s primary airframe.

The U.S. Marine Corps on Okinawa is replacing CH-46E helicopters with MV-22B Osprey aircraft on a one-for one basis. The Osprey is able to fly twice as fast, carry three times the payload and has four times the range of the CH-46E helicopters.

Basing the Osprey in Okinawa significantly strengthens the United States’ ability to provide for the defense of Japan, perform humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and fulfill other alliance roles.

“As our country and Corps shifts its strategic focus back to the Pacific region, I take great pride in knowing that the tigers will continue to be at the forefront of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing's response capability.”

For photos from today’s ceremony, please visit the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3mefpao/sets/72157635290867119/

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1006471/hmm-262-redesignated-vmm-262#.UiBiYBZptD0

http://www.mcipac.marines.mil/Photos.aspx

https://twitter.com/OkinawaMarines/status/373358938336403457

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.524724364266149.1073741913.195353513869904&type=3&uploaded=6

• Date Taken: 08.30.2013
• Date Posted: 08.30.2013 05:28
• Story ID: 112898
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP