MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, the Ugly Angels, will be deactivated in a ceremony, Nov. 30, marking the end of the CH-53D Sea Stallion's Marine Corps service.
The Ugly Angels were activated April 30, 1952 and were the last Sea Stallion squadron to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During the squadron’s 60 years of service it deployed in support of the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The squadron’s multiple honors include the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with two bronze stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with one silver star and two bronze stars, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with four bronze stars, the National Defense Service Streamer with three bronze stars, the Vietnam Service Streamer with two silver stars and one bronze star, the Southwest Asia Service Streamer with two bronze stars, the Afghanistan Campaign Streamer with three bronze stars, the Iraq Campaign Streamer with two bronze stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer.
All remaining aircraft will retire at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona from combat in Afghanistan.
To cover the event R.S.V.P. with the MCB Hawaii media office by 4:30 p.m., Nov. 29. Media should meet at the H-3 gate, Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m.