USMC HML-167 Warriors Original Patch
Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML-167) — "Warriors"
Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167, the Warriors, holds the rare distinction of being the only Marine helicopter squadron commissioned in a combat zone. Activated on 1 April 1968 at Marble Mountain Air Facility in the Republic of Vietnam, HML-167 was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and immediately began flying UH-1E Huey helicopters in operations against communist forces. From commissioning through June 1971, the Warriors participated in sustained combat operations throughout South Vietnam, earning a Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the distinction of being the last operating helicopter squadron in Vietnam in May 1971.
Relocating to MCAS New River, North Carolina, in June 1971, the squadron was reassigned to MAG-26 and later MAG-29. HML-167 received its first AH-1T Cobras on 17 January 1984 and was redesignated HMLA-167 on 1 April 1986, becoming the first unit officially designated as a Light/Attack Squadron with a permanent composite mix of UH-1N and AH-1T helicopters. In 1988, the Warriors deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of contingency MAGTF 2-88, participating in Operation Praying Mantis — the assault on the Sassan gas/oil separation platform — and escorted eleven "Earnest Will" oil tanker convoys. The squadron won the CNO's Safety Award in both 1992 and 1993 and surpassed 75,000 mishap-free flight hours by early 2002.
The Warriors deployed multiple times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, simultaneously operating detachments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, HMLA-167 flies the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom from MCAS New River under MAG-29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Perfect For: HML-167 and HMLA-167 Warriors past and present, Vietnam-era helicopter veterans, MAG-29 personnel, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom aircrew, and Marine light attack helicopter aviation collectors.
Born in the fire of Vietnam, forged through five decades of combat — the Warriors of HML-167, the only Marine helicopter squadron commissioned in a combat zone.
