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Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 History
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 was activated in July 1965 at
Marine Corps Air Station, Santa Ana, Ca., as part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing. During August 1965, the White Knights were reassigned to
Marine Wing Service Group 37.
In September 1966, the White Knights deployed to the
Republic of Vietnam, where they were assigned to MAG-36,
1st MAW. From October 1966 to August 1969, the squadron
operated from Ky Ha, Hue/Phu Bai, the USS Valley Forge, the
USS Tripoli, Marble Mountain area near Da Nang, and from
USS Tarawa. In August 1969, the squadron redeployed to
Okinawa. In December 1969, the squadron became part of
MAG-36 again and it remained a part of the group until 1977.
During the early 1970s, HMM-165 participated as part of the
Special Landing Force in support of activities in Vietnam; the squadron was also
part of the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit operating with the Seventh Fleet. During
July and August 1972, the White Knights took part in Philippine flood relief
operations, flying in food and supplies to local populations. In April 1975, helicopters
of HMM-165 took part in the evacuation of Saigon, Operation Frequent Wind.
Lady Ace 09 evacuated the ambassador on April 30, 1977. In November 1977, the
White Knights and moved to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where
they were reassigned to MAG-24, the air combat element of the 1st Marine Brigade.
During September and October 1983, as part of the 31st MAU, HMM-165
deployed to the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. HMM-165 was diverted to
Beirut, Lebanon, where they conducted contingency operations from the deck of
the USS Tarawa. In December 1989, the White Knights supported American
interests, including reinforcement of the American Embassy in the Republic of the
Philippines during that country’s coupe attempt.
In August 1990, the squadron was sent to Saudi Arabia to participate in
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The White Knights returned home from
in March 1991. HMM-165 was the “last squadron in the Philippine Islands” when
they supported the special purpose MAGTF from July to November 1992. From
September to October 1992 a detachment was sent to Cambodia to participate in
Joint Task Force Full Accounting. The squadron aided the task force in the search
for remains of MIAs from the war in Vietnam. In March 1993, another detachment
was sent to Cambodia; this mission was cut short when the task force base camp
was attacked by mortar fire in April 1993.
As a result of base closings, HMM-165 was reassigned from the 1st MAW
Aviation Support Element, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to
MAG-16, 3rd MAW, MCAS El Toro, Ca., on May 15, 1996.
While assigned to MAG-16, HMM-165 has participated in two Combined
Arms Exercises; Desert Punch, the largest helicopter operation since the Vietnam
war; and numerous squadron deployments. HMM-165 moved to MCAS Miramar,
San Diego, CA in November 1998 as the result of more base closings. In December
1998, HMM-165 was designated the ACE for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
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