‘Pegasus’ transfers authority to ‘Red Lions’ 

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 “Pegasus” transferred control of air support for Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, to HMH-363 “Red Lions” during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Feb. 3.

Pegasus’ primary mission in the MEB-A area of operation was the transportation of troops and cargo throughout the battle space, utilizing the CH-53D “Sea Stallion” helicopter; a mission the Red Lions took over.

The deployment for Pegasus forced the Marines, based in Hawaii’s Kaneohe Bay, to leave the tropical paradise of white sandy beaches, deep blue ocean water and cool sea breeze to support combat operations in harsh desert environment of southern Afghanistan.

“Pegasus Marines have performed absolutely magnificently,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Abrams, the commanding officer for HMH-463.  “I will start off with obviously recognizing their efforts in meeting every challenge and every expectation that MAG-40 and MEB-A has asked of us.”

During their time in Helmand, Pegasus participated in numerous missions inserting troops and transporting follow-on supplies.  They also played a vital role in Operation Moshtarak by inserting some of the initial forces to secure the city of Marjah.

In seven months, Pegasus transported more than 20,000 troops and 1.5 million pounds of cargo throughout Helmand province.

The support Pegasus provided in Afghanistan was preceded by nearly 66 years of history.  Originally serving as a fixed wing bombing squadron in 1944, Pegasus spent close to 20 years flying fixed wing bombing and torpedo aircraft before becoming a helicopter transport squadron in 1958.

Almost ten years later, the squadron was sent to Vietnam where they continued to support Marine Corps combat missions utilizing helicopters.  Following their first tour to Vietnam, Pegasus was relocated to Hawaii and would return to Vietnam twice more.  In more recent years, HMH-463 has provided support in Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.

With a very similar history, Pegasus transferred responsibility as the only CH-53D “Sea Stallion” helicopter squadron to the Red Lions.

The Red Lions were activated nearly 10 years after Pegasus and deployed to Vietnam in 1965.  In 1972, the unit received the Sea Stallion helicopters that they still fly today.

Using the CH-53D helicopter, the Red Lions flew humanitarian support in the Philippines in 1990, following an earthquake and flood in the country.

Like Pegasus, they participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia.  This was followed by Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1992 and four years later the squadron relocated to Hawaii.  The squadron has since conducted two deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom before heading to Afghanistan.

This transfer of authority also signified the nearly complete rotation of the three CH-3D helicopter squadrons from Hawaii.  It also comes at a time when MAG-40 has begun to wrap up a nearly year-long deployment and turn over command of the aviation combat element to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Forward from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

With the continuing operations in southern Afghanistan and the growing number of forces, the Red Lions will play a vital role in transporting troops and cargo to support MEB-A in securing, holding and rebuilding areas in Helmand province.