VMM-261 Raging Bulls MV-22 Model

VMM-261 Raging Bulls MV-22 Model Fly with the Raging Bulls of VMM-261 in this hand crafted MV-22 Model. Each piece is carefully carved from wood and hand painted to provide a piece you'll love. Early years[edit] Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 261 (HMR-261) was activated on April 5, 1951 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. From 1951 through 1956, HMR-261 carried the tail code of "HM." Since then, it has carried the tail code of "EM" on its helicopters. In 1954, the squadron moved from MCAS Cherry Point to its current home, MCAS New River, North Carolina. In October 1954, HMR-261 embarked its HRS helicopters on the USS Saipan (CVL-48) and sailed for Haiti where they flew humanitarian assistance/disaster relief missions following Hurricane Hazel. In 1956, the squadron was redesignated Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 261 (HMR(L)-261) to reflect the acquisition of the H-34 Choctaw to replace its HRS-1 helicopters. The squadron was the first helicopter squadron to conduct troop lifts on the East coast. In 1961, the squadron was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261). The squadron was, by then, flying the UH-34D helicopter. During 1962, HMM-261 was embarked aboard the USS Boxer (CV-21) and subsequently the USS Thetis Bay (CVE-90) for support during the Cuban Blockade. Returning to MCAF New River, HMM 261 was deployed in the south in support of the civil rights freedom marches in the spring of 1963. Returning to MAG-26, MCAF New River, HMM-261 prepared to stand down for subsequent transfer of its colors to the Western Pacific. Vietnam War[edit] Older squadron insignia as part of the 22nd MEU. In 1963, the Bulls were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, and as part of "Operation Shufly" they were based at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. During their time at Danang, HMM-261 conducted combat operations and delivered troops and supplies throughout the operating area. In 1964, the squadron, deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) as part of the Ready Landing Force in the Western Pacific, participating in training exercises in the Philippine Islands and Taiwan and was afterwards shore-based at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa until returning the squadron colors to MCAF New River. During the 1965-66 tour, the Bulls operated from Da Nang AB, Marble Mountain, Kỳ Hà, and the USS Valley Forge. The squadron continued to fly the H-34 helicopter throughout both tours, and participated in several major offensives including: Operations Starlite, Harvest Moon, Double Eagle, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Hot Springs. During its 1965-66 tour HMM-261 flew 11,859 combat hours, MEDEVAC-ed 2,315 wounded, flew 38,090 combat sorties, ferried 47,522 troops into battle and expended 32,610 rounds of ammunition. Throughout its three combat tours in Vietnam, many of the units' helicopters were badly shot up while performing medevacs and troop insertion missions; during 1965-1966,its helicopters were hit 273 times with many aircraft destroyed. Squadron members were awarded personal decorations from the Navy Cross on down. In 1966, the Bulls came home to New River again. During the late 1960s, the squadron accepted their first, brand new CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. The squadron still flies an updated model of the same helicopter, the CH-46E. Throughout the 1970s, the Bulls participated in various training exercises in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean regions. It was during this time that the squadron added to their nickname and became the "Raging Bulls". 1980s[edit] "Elvis 01" a CH-46E of HMM-261 awaits the loading of Army Rangers on Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury, Oct. 1983. In 1982, the Raging Bulls deployed to Beirut, Lebanon. In October 1983, the squadron had just departed Naval Base Norfolk aboard USS GUAM heading toward Beirut, but received word to divert to the Caribbean for the invasion of Grenada, codenamed Operation Urgent Fury. There, the squadron provided the only helicopters for t