Marine Air Group 16 MAG-16
A 3.5 x 4 inches Marine Air Group 16 MAG-16 Patch
Marine Aircraft Group 16 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar that is currently composed of five V-22 Osprey squadrons, four CH-53 Super Stallion squadrons, one Personnel Support Detachment, an aviation logistics squadron, and a wing support squadron. The group falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Mission
Provide air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders.
Subordinate units
CH-53E Super Stallion Squadrons
HMH-361 "Flying Tigers"
HMH-462 "Heavy Haulers"
HMH-465 "Warhorse"
HMH-466 "Wolfpack"
MV-22 Osprey Squadrons
VMM-161 "Greyhawks"
VMM-163 "Evil Eyes (Formerly Ridge Runners)"
VMM-165 "White Knights"
VMM-166 "SeaElk"
VMM-362 "Ugly Angels"
Maintenance Squadron
MALS-16 "Forerunners"
Support Squadron
MWSS-374 "Rhinos"
History
Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16 (MAG(HR)-16) was commissioned on March 1, 1952 at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California.[1] MAG-16 was the first helicopter group established in the Marine Corps.[2] Prior to its activation helicopter squadrons were considered special units and reported directly to the Air Wing commanding general with no intermediate command.[2] Colonel Harold J. Mitchener was MAG-16's first commanding officer. Seven units made up the newly formed MAG: Headquarters Squadron(HQSQ) 16, Marine Airbase Squadron(MABS) 16, Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron(MAMS) 16, Marine Helicopter Transport Squadrons(HMR) 162, 163, 362, and 363.
Vietnam War
On the evening of 12-13 August helicopters from MAG-16 participated in the first night helicopter assault of the Vietnam War. They debarked 245 Marines and returned to Da Nang without incident.
1980s & 1990s
Through the years, many