{ { Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769
|image= Hmh769logo.gif
|image_size= 150px
|caption= HMH-769 Unit insignia
|dates= *April 15, 1958 - August 2, 2008
|country= United States
|allegiance=
|branch= USMCR
|type= Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
|role= Assault Support
|size=
|command_structure= Marine Aircraft Group 464th Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Forces Reserve |notable_commanders= |garrison= Edwards Air Force Base |ceremonial_chief= |colonel_of_the_regiment= |nickname= "Heavy Haulers"""Roadhogs" |patron= |motto= |colors=7F (1958-1968) 5F (1968-1972) MS (1972-2008)|colors_label=Tail Code |march= |mascot= |battles= Operation Desert StormOperation Enduring Freedom|aircraft_helicopter = HUP-2UH-34CH-53A/D/ RH-53DCH-53E |anniversaries= }}Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769 (HMH-769''') was a United States Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter squadron. Nicknamed "Titan", the squadron was based at Edwards Air Force Base, California and fell under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 46 (MAG-46) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). HMH-769 was deactivated on 2 August 2008.
Mission
Provide assault support transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. Be prepared for short-notice, worldwide employment in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.
History
Early years
HMH-769 was originally activated as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (HMR) 769 on April 15, 1958. Based at Naval Air Station Oakland, CA, HMR-769 flew the compact single radial engine, twin overlapping rotor utility helicopter developed and produced by Piasecki Helicopter Corporation.
In April 1959, HMR-769 transitioned to and began flying the Sikorsky built HSS-1/SH-34G.
On April 1, 1961, HMR-769 was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 769 and relocated to Naval Air Station Alameda, California in July of that same year.
The squadron continued to fly the H-34 until 1971 when it transitioned to the Sikorsky built CH-53A "Sea Stallion" and on September 1, 1971, was redesignated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 769.
The squadron remained HMH-769 until June 1, 1980 when it was deactivated. The squadron's remaining personnel and aircraft were then consolidated into the other Marine Reserve Heavy Helicopter Squadron, HMH-772, redesignated HMH-772 Detachment A and given the callsign "Roadhogs".
Persian Gulf War and 1990s
In April 1990, HMH-772 Detachment A became the first Marine unit to transition to and fly the former minesweeper RH-53D. With its minesweeping gear removed, the RH-53D proved to be a powerful replacement to the aging CH-53A airframe.
On November 27, 1990 HMH-772 Det A was activated and deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of combat operations for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and served under Marine Aircraft Group 26. HMH-772 operated from Al Jubayl and the expeditionary combat base "Lonesome Dove" while supporting the assault.
Upon conclusion of hostilities in the Persian Gulf, HMH-772 Det A embarked aboard the for the return to CONUS. While en route, the Roadhogs were called upon to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to the country of Bangladesh during Operation Sea Angel.
On 1 April 1993, HMH-772 Det A was redesigned as HMH-769.
On May 1, 1996, the Roadhogs relocated from NAS Alameda to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. While there, the squadron received its first CH-53E "Super Stallion" on August 23, 1996, replacing its aging RH-53D with the newer, more powerful airframe.
In July 1998, the Roadhogs were the recipient of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's 1998 Pete Ross award for 4th MAW safety.
On May 1, 1999, the Roadhogs relocated to Edwards Air Force Base located in Rosamond, California.
Global War on Terror
In July 2001, the Roadhogs were the recipient of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's 2001 Pete Ross award for 4th MAW safety.
The Roadhogs were activated for a third time on January 27, 2002 and deployed two aircraft and 17 Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) to Djibouti in the Horn of Africa; detachment commanded by LtCol Jeff Freeman. This deployment marked the first time that a reserve squadron augmented an Active Forces MEU.
Activated for their final time on January 5, 2004, the Roadhogs commanded by LtCol Rick Mullen deployed in March of that same year to Bagram air base, Afghanistan for seven months in support of Combined Joint Task Forces 180/76 for Operation Enduring Freedom 4 and 5.