Free Republic

AL TAQQADUM, Iraq (Jan. 19, 2006) -- The Greyhawks of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 spent their 55th birthday supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Al Taqqadum, Iraq, Jan. 15. HMM-161, known as "The First," was the Marine Corps' first tactical helicopter squadron. Established Jan. 15, 1951, the Greyhawks deployed in support of the Korean War two months later. At Al Taqqadum, they fly CH-46 Sea Knights and respond to urgent casualty evacuations and provide general support for the ground combat element near Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq. “Our squadron has seen combat in every major conflict the Marine Corps has been...

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (Oct. 31, 2005) -- The golden hour is the amount of time they have to save life, limb or sight. Every second faster they move could mean the difference between life and death. With this mentality, the Greyhawks of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 constantly strive to improve the speed with which they respond to urgent casualty evacuations at Al Taqaddum, Iraq, near the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. After three deployments in as many years, the Greyhawks are becoming experts at moving fast to get their CH-46 Sea Knights in the air and save lives, said...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 23, 2005) -- The Greyhawks of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 first deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. This deployment marks the third occasion ‘161 has deployed in support of OIF. The squadron deployed here Aug. 11 and is ramped up to provide casualty evacuation and logistics transport. At the end of their 2004 deployment the squadron had flown more than 750 missions transporting more than 2,900 passengers, 116,000 pounds of cargo and 300 casualties to urgent care facilities throughout Iraq. “This squadron started the CASEVAC mission last year during its second deployment...