Marines

VMM-363 Dedication Ceremony

11 Sep 2018 | Marine Corps Base Hawaii

A dedication ceremony for the arrival of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 will take place Sept. 21, at their new hangar on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
  "The arrival of a second MV-22B Osprey squadron to our Hawaii-based Marine Aircraft Group significantly increases our combat capability and allows us to better respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility,” said U.S. Marine Col. Stephen Lightfoot, commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group 24.
  The relocation of VMM-363, The Lucky Red Lions, was part of the squadron’s scheduled relocation to their new command, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, from Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Air Wing, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
  Their arrival from MCAS Miramar marks the beginning of VMM-363’s permanent stationing at MCAS Kaneohe Bay.
The Osprey is a highly capable aircraft, combining the vertical capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. Combined with 1st MAW’s refueling assets, MAG 24’s Ospreys are able to reach across the Pacific to respond to a crisis in the matter of days.
 “The addition of this new hangar continues our installation's commitment in providing modern facilities and operational support to our tenant commands. This facility, along with our newest squadron, not only extends our expeditionary capabilities, but keeps our Marines equipped to train and ready to respond when our nation calls,” said U.S. Marine Col. Raul Lianez, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
  The arrival of VMM-363 significantly enhances III MEF’s ability to support exercises and operations; perform humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts abroad; execute defense support to civil authorities locally in the Hawaiian Islands; and fulfill other alliance roles.
  Media interested in covering the ceremony must RSVP to 2nd Lt. Colin Kennard via email at colin.b.kennard@usmc.mil or call (808) 257-1370.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii