History 

Tailcodes 

History 

HMA-369 was activated on 1. April 1972, at Marine Corps Air Station Futema, later MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Two months after being activated, the squadron was deployed to North Vietnam to participate in Operation MARHUK (Marine Hunter Killer). "Pistol Pete" as the squadron was then known, had the distinction of being the first attack helicopter squadron in Marine Corps history to conduct offensive air operations. This occurred on 20 June 1972, when HMA-369 AH-1J Seacobras, operating from the USS Denver, began interdicting enemy barges and ferries and acting as low lying Forward Air Controllers for Navy carrier strikes. The squadron subsequently transferred to USS Cleveland and finally USS Dubuque while conducting MARHUK operations. The squadron redeployed to Okinawa in January 1973, but remained active in the conflict through Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, flying numerous sorties supporting the evacuation of Saigon.

On 15. September 1987 HMA-369 was redesignated as Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 (HMLA-369). In October 1987, the majority of AH-1J pilots attended the AH-1W pilot's familiarization course in Dallas, Texas and on 30. October 1987, HMLA-369 received its first AH-1W. During Desert Shield the Gunfighters were called to war. Throughout the war, the Gunfighters distinguished themselves both in the planning and execution phases of the air and ground wars. On 10. March 1991, the Gunfighters departed Saudi Arabia, returning to Camp Pendleton.

On 28. November 1992, HMLA-369 began planning for Operation Restore Hope, the international United Nations humanitarian relief effort in Somalia. On 3. December 1992, the Gunfighters were assigned as the force in readiness and by 1.January 1993, the entire squadron was deployed to Baledogle, Somalia, as the sole light attack helicopter squadron in theater operating under Marine Aircraft Group 16