Description
H&MS-16 — USMC Embroidered Patch
The Forerunners
H&MS-16 didn’t just maintain helicopters — it helped create the entire Marine Corps rotary wing maintenance enterprise from scratch. As the maintenance squadron for the Marine Corps’ first helicopter group, H&MS-16 wrote the book on keeping Marine helicopters combat-ready. This officially licensed patch honors that pioneering legacy.
Activated on 1 March 1952 at MCAF Santa Ana as Headquarters Squadron 16, the unit grew alongside MAG-16 as Marine helicopter aviation came into its own. Redesignated H&MS-16 in 1954, the squadron deployed to Da Nang in 1965 and supported one of the largest Marine Air Groups in Corps history, earning a Presidential Unit Citation, two Navy Unit Commendations, and two Meritorious Unit Citations for its Vietnam service. Later redesignated MALS-16 — the “Immortals” — the unit established multiple firsts during Desert Storm: first MALS to deploy, first MALS in combat operations, and first to deploy aboard an Aviation Logistics Support Ship. Now based at MCAS Miramar supporting MV-22s and CH-53s.
Perfect For:
H&MS-16 and MALS-16 veterans, MAG-16 Marines, MCAS Miramar community, rotary wing maintainers, and Marine aviation logistics collectors.
The Immortals — First in Maintenance.
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