Official HMLA-369 Gunfighters Japan UDP Patch — Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 Unit Deployment Program Embroidered Patch
Gunfighters forward — HMLA-369 brings attack helicopter firepower to the Pacific.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 (HMLA-369), the "Gunfighters," is a United States Marine Corps light attack helicopter squadron operating AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, under Marine Aircraft Group 39 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Gunfighters have one of the most distinguished combat records in Marine rotary-wing aviation. Activated on April 1, 1972, at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, HMLA-369 deployed to North Vietnam within two months of commissioning for Operation MARHUK. The Gunfighters were the first Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield in 1990, and their commanding officer earned the Navy Cross for valor during Desert Storm. The squadron deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope, supported operations in Iraq, and has maintained a continuous forward presence through the Unit Deployment Program in Okinawa, Japan. In 1985, the Gunfighters made history as the first tactical Marine squadron to enter Communist China's airspace since 1949. This patch commemorates HMLA-369's UDP rotation to Japan.
Perfect For: HMLA-369 Gunfighters active-duty members and veterans, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom crews, MAG-39 and 3rd MAW personnel, UDP Marines who served in Japan, and Marine attack helicopter patch collectors.
Gunfighters forward — HMLA-369 in Japan.