HMLA-167 Warriors Have Guns Will Travel 4th of July Patch
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-167), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-167), the "Warriors," was forged in the crucible of combat when Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML-167) was commissioned on 1 April 1968 at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Republic of Vietnam. From its commissioning date until June 1971, HML-167 participated in operations against communist forces, becoming the premier utility squadron in Vietnam with over 60,000 flight hours and the distinction of dropping the first helicopter bomb. Two of the squadron's aircraft were the last Marine helicopters to leave Vietnam.
After relocating to MCAS New River, North Carolina, the Warriors continued to build their combat legacy. HML-167 achieved ten years of mishap-free flying by October 1983, accumulating approximately 65,000 flight hours, and served in the peacekeeping force in Lebanon from October 1982 through November 1983. On 17 January 1984, the squadron received its first AH-1T Cobras, and on 1 April 1986 became HML/A-167—the first unit officially designated as a Light/Attack Squadron with a permanent composite mix of UH-1N and AH-1T helicopters. The Warriors participated in Operation Praying Mantis in 1988, marking the first time Marine ground and helicopter assets were embarked aboard an aircraft carrier during the Balkans crisis.
HMLA-167 deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terror, deploying 18 AH-1Ws, 9 UH-1Ns, and Marines aboard USS Bataan in February 2004 to Al Asad, Iraq, where they supported Operation Vigilant Resolve in Fallujah and operated from three forward operating bases. The Warriors deployed to Iraq three times in less than three years, while simultaneously maintaining detachments in Afghanistan with the 22nd MEU operating out of Kandahar. Today, HMLA-167 flies the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom under MAG-29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Perfect For: HMLA-167 Warriors members and veterans, HML-167 Vietnam-era alumni, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom enthusiasts, MAG-29 personnel, and Marine light attack helicopter community members.
Have Guns, Will Travel—the Warriors of HMLA-167, born in combat at Marble Mountain and proven in every fight since, from Vietnam to Fallujah and beyond.