The Marine Corps officially reactivated Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, as part of its force redesign efforts. This squadron flies the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. The squadron was deactivated in December 2022 due to changes in the Marine Corps’ aviation needs.
The decision to reactivate HMLA-269 came after Marines were rotated to other units and equipment was preserved for future needs. The Marines closely monitor the Army’s Future Vertical Lift program following upgrades to the Viper and Venom aircraft to keep them active until the 2040s. There was uncertainty following the cancellation of the Army’s future attack reconnaissance aircraft program in 2024.
The Marines had initially deactivated HMLA-469 in California as part of their aviation plan. The reactivation of HMLA-269 brings the active light attack squadrons back up to six. The Marines require a mix of 284 Venom and Viper helicopters to fulfill their mission obligations. On the fixed-wing side, the Marine Corps has made moves to replace F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers with the F-35.
The Marine Corps has recognized HMLA-269 as the light attack squadron of the year eight times. The Marines of HMLA-269 were commended for their discipline and precision in maintaining and flying aircraft. The recent successful strike on a moving target at sea by Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 Reinforced highlighted the capabilities of the new AGM-179 joint air-to-ground missile.
