Description
HMLA-269 Gunrunners Final PVC Patch
Aviators! Are you looking for a high-quality patch you’ll proudly wear or display? Look no further than the HMLA-269 Gunrunners Final PVC Patch! Enjoy this final PVC patch of this legendary squadron.
- 4.5 inch
- PVC
- US Naval Aviator Owned Business
- Hook and Loop
- Free Shipping
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269) was a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. Also known as “The Gunrunners”, the squadron was based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, The Gunrunners attached to HMM-365 (Rein) with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit(SOC) flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from Forward Operating Bases Rhino and Kandahar, in Afghanistan. In 2002 The Gunrunners attached to HMM-263 (REIN) with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) flew in Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, Operation Enduring Freedom.
In January 2003, The Gunrunners deployed as a squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMLA-269 flew nearly 3,000 combat hours in 55 days and maintained 24-hour operations with no personnel losses due to enemy action or mishaps. January 2005 saw The Gunrunners again deploy to Iraq in support of OIF 04-06. During this deployment, The Gunrunners flew more than 5951 hours and 3994 sorties. The squadron celebrated its 35th anniversary on July 1, 2006 with a ceremony at Al Asad airbase in western Iraq. The squadron has completed six deployments to Iraq since 2003 and designated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of Year in 2010 and 2013.[1]
