HMM-774 Marines awarded for 85,000 mishap-free flight hours

Photo By Cpl. Francisco Bedolla | Lt. Col. Mark A. Sexton shakes the hand of a Boeing representative as he accepts the HMM-774 unit certification of achievement for logging 85,000 mishap-free flight hours. The ceremony was held at the HMM-774 headquarters at Naval Station Norfolk on Sept. 20, 2012.  

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

09.20.2012

Story by Cpl. Francisco Bedolla 

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command

NORFOLK, Va. – Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 received an award for 85,000 mishap-free flight hours during a ceremony at the HMM-774 headquarters at Naval Station Norfolk on Sept. 20.

In addition to the unit award, several Marines were recognized for individual achievements.

Maj. Gregory Earnest, pilot and director of safety and standardization, was recognized for logging 3,000 mishap-free flight hours. Maj. Luis Gomez, pilot and aircraft maintenance officer, was recognized for logging 2,000 mishap-free flight hours.

Both GySgt Kenneth Medearis, flight line division chief, and Sgt. Raymond Killinger, crew chief, were recognized for logging 1,000 hours of mishap-free flight hours. These Marines were recognized for logging these mishap-free flight hours while flying the CH-46E helicopter.

“This was a reflection of the Marines who were here before us and the Marines of the unit,” said Lt. Col. Mark A. Sexton, commanding officer of HMM-774. “Achieving 85,000 hours in a (CH-46E helicopter) is an amazing amount of time to log.”

The purpose of HMM-774 is to provide assault support transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment, day or night, under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.

HMM-774 was activated in 1969. Initially the squadron operated the UH-34D helicopter but in 1970 transitioned to the CH-46 and was assigned to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

Over the years, Marines from this unit have conducted countless operations in several American states as well as all around the world. These operations have taken place in areas such as Washington, D.C., Florida, Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Southwest Asia and the Middle East.

HMM-774 is the last remaining Marine Corps CH-46E helicopter squadron remaining on the East Coast and is scheduled to transition to the MV-22 Osprey in 2016.

Although the CH-46 has been in service since 1964, it continues to play a vital role in exercises and operations around the world.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2012
• Date Posted: 09.21.2012 15:43
• Story ID: 95125
• Location: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US