Officially Licensed USMC HMH-461 Ironhorse squadron challenge coin.
Ironhorse — first operational CH-53K King Stallion squadron, on a coin.
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), the "Ironhorse," is a U.S. Marine Corps heavy lift helicopter squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina under Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing — and the oldest active heavy-lift helicopter squadron in the Marine Corps. The squadron's lineage dates to March 15, 1944 when Marine Fighting Squadron 461 (VMF-461) was commissioned at MCAS El Centro, California flying the F4U Corsair; VMF-461 was deactivated in September 1950, then reactivated in January 1957 at MCAS New River as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Medium) 461 (HMR(M)-461) flying the HR2S-1 / CH-37 Mojave, and was redesignated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461) in February 1962. The squadron flew the CH-53A Sea Stallion (1966), CH-53D (1970), and CH-53E Super Stallion (September 1988), and on January 2022 HMH-461 was officially redesignated as the first operational fleet squadron for the CH-53K King Stallion — the Marine Corps' next-generation heavy-lift helicopter — with Initial Operating Capability achieved in April 2022. The squadron has flown combat operations in the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. This challenge coin commemorates the King Stallion era. Heavy struck metal, fleet-quality, coin-check ready.
Perfect For: HMH-461 Ironhorse active-duty and veteran personnel, CH-53K King Stallion pilots, crew chiefs, and maintainers, CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53D / CH-53A / CH-37 Mojave heritage operators, MCAS New River and MAG-29 personnel, 2nd MAW Marines, Marine heavy lift community members, and squadron challenge coin collectors.
HMH-461 Ironhorse coin — first operational CH-53K, coin check ready.
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