MARINE MEDIUM TILTROTOR SQUADRON 163 History

HMR(L)-163, the predecessor of HMM-163, was formed in December of 1951. Since that date, its Marines, sailors and machines have flown in continuous support of the United States and Allied operations throughout the Pacific and Central Command Theaters. The Squadron's nickname, "Ridge Runners", was bestowed as a result of typhoon rescue and relief operations in the mountainous terrain surrounding Hagman, Japan.

From February to October 1965, the HMM-163 "Ridge Runners" helicopter squadron became famous for its operations in Viet Nam. This was primarily due to a LIFE magazine story that appeared in the 16 April 1965 issue. The story documented the combat death of Marine H-34 pilot 1stLt James E. Magel and the rescue of wounded and paralyzed 1stLt Dale Eddy during a strike mission transporting South Vietnamese troops. For most U.S. citizens, this was the first time they were made aware of the extent of America's involvement in Viet Nam.

In late October 1965, HMM-163 relocated to MCAS Futema, Okinawa, where LtCol Charles A. House took the reigns of the squadron. With only three months separating HMM-163 from its return deployment to Viet Nam, LtCol House and his veteran pilots determined that a unit symbol was needed to build morale and espirit d'corps, especially for the newly assigned replacement personnel.

Capt Al Barbe, the Squadron Intelligence Officer and husband to a Thai bride, offered a suggestion. Because of Asian culture and beliefs, he proposed that eyes painted on the unit aircraft might have an unsettling affect upon the enemy, thus the concept of "The Eyes" on the front of HMM-163 aircraft was born.

On 1 January 1966, HMM-163 flew by C-130 to Phu Bai, Viet Nam, relieved HMM-161, and took over all their H-34 helicopters. Painting of what were then called "Genie Eyes" (after the "I Dream of Jeannie" TV show) began immediately.

By March 1966, HMM-163's "Genie Eyes" were being called "Evil Eyes" by the ground units supported. The Squadron flew over 2,000 flight hours in ten days in support of the overrun Ashau Valley Special Forces Camp, in which 190 U.S. Army survivors were rescued from enemy capture. In Aug/Sept 1966, orders came from 1st MAW to eliminate white paint on Marine helicopters, so all white markings and lettering were either stricken or painted over in black. HMM-163 was now aboard a carrier off the coast of Viet Nam and used the excuse that they were not directly under Wing command at that time so the "Evil Eyes" remained black and white.

In October 1966, the squadron again returned to Phu Bai, Viet Nam, still with black and white "Evil Eyes", under the command of LtCol Otto Bianchi. LtCol Bianchi was a good friend of the Wing Commander, but that didn't keep Major General Louis B. Robertshaw, 1st MAW Commanding General, from reading LtCol Bianchi the "riot act" concerning the unauthorized paint scheme. Also in the room at the time of this conversation was the Commanding General of the Marine ground forces in the area who politely interrupted by saying, "It sure is great to have the 'Evil Eyes' back here at Phu Bai!" The 1st MAW Commanding General relented and the "Evil Eyes" have remained to this day.

From 1964 to 1968, the squadron served with distinction in combat earning a Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation along with many personal awards. Since returning to the United States, a vigorous training program designed to produce combat ready CH-46 aircrews has been pursued with many thousands of flight hours flown in support of training. HMM-163 received the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, and 1996. Five Meritorious Unit Commendations (MUC) for the periods of 1 July 1978 through 31 December 1980, 1 January 1982 through 31 December 1983, 30 September 1983 through 30 September 1985, 22-28 January 1987, and 1 January 1986 through 31 July 1987 acknowledge the squadron's hallmark of superior performance. The squadron was named the MCAA Helicopter squadron of the Year in 1979, 1981, 1985, 1990, and 2002.

During the 1990's, HMM-163 continued to excel while serving as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for five Special Operations Capable Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU(SOC)) on deployments to the Pacific and Central Command theaters. During this time, the squadron participated in operations across the Pacific and from the Horn of Africa to the Persian Gulf, including Operation FIERY VIGIL in 1991, Operations CONTINUE HOPE, DISTANT RUNNER, and QUICK DRAW in 1994, DESERT STRIKE in 1996 and Operation RESOLUTE RESPONSE in 1998.

In 2001, while deployed with the 15th MEU(SOC), the Evil Eyes of HMM-163 again had the opportunity to serve our country with distinction by participating in combat operations in support of Operations SWIFT FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. While forward deployed to the Central Command Theater of Operations, the Evil Eyes planned and executed the longest amphibious assault in American military history with the seizure of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in southern Afghanistan. The squadron remained forward deployed for seven weeks operating from the austere base in support of Task Force 58 and other coalition Special Operations Forces.

In 2003, the Evil Eyes deployed from 22 August 2003 to 8 March 2004 with the 13th MEU(SOC). Again, the squadron made history by being part of the first Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1). The ESG concept focused on combining surface action groups and submarines with traditional Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs) and MEUs to offer theater combatant commanders more flexibility and capabilities. The squadron proved their worth by supporting multiple operations and exercises while in the CENTCOM AOR, to include Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation SWEENEY, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Exercise IRON MAGIC, and Exercise EDGED MALLET.

By persistently setting new standards of excellence the Evil Eyes continue to blaze a trail for others to follow and look forward to the challenges the future will bring.