MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, assigned to MCAS Miramar, is scheduled to
celebrate its 70th anniversary 4 p.m. Saturday.

HMH-462 traces its lineage back to April 1944 when it taught replacement aircrew how to fly the Vought F4U-1 Corsair in World War II. In 1957, the squadron was reassigned as a medium lift helicopter squadron. Other notable HMH-462 accomplishments include:

• Supported NASA’s aircraft recovery testing for the Mercury Space Capsule
• Named honorary members of the Havasupai Indian Tribe for providing humanitarian assistance
• within the Grand Canyon National Park in the early 1960’s
• During the Vietnam War, participated in Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind, which
• evacuated US nationals and allies from Cambodia and Vietnam
• Supported Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
• Continual support for Marine Expeditionary Unit detachments and routine overseas
• deployments

Today, HMH-462 flies the CH-53E Super Stallion and provides heavy-lift capabilities for assault support missions throughout the world. The unit returned from a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan in February.

Four former commanding officers and past and present Marines will be in attendance for the celebration. In addition, an F4U-1 airplane and CH-53E helicopter will be on display.

Interested media must RSVP to (858) 336-3622 or miramarmedia@usmc.mil by 4:30 p.m. Friday.

-USMC