page_title: HMH-769
section_title: Global War on Terror
hierarchical_section_title: HMH-769 / History / Global War on Terror
caption_attribution_description: U.S. Marine Corps Maj. David Montesano flies a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during an in-flight refueling operation with an Air Force HC-130 Hercules aircraft over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on June 20, 2006. Montesano and his Super Stallion are attached to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron769, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The Hercules is from the 79th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan.
context_page_description: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 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 and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. HMH-769 was deactivated on 2 August 2008.
context_section_description: 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.
  Midway through their deployment to Afghanistan, the Roadhogs were selected as the Marine Corps Aviation Association's 2005 Keith B. McCutcheon Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the year.
  On April 2, 2007, Headquarters Marine Corps directed the deactivation of HMH-772 Det A, with a completion date of no later than September 2008.  The following year saw a flurry of activity as the squadron marched toward this milestone, transferring aircraft and personnel consistently throughout the year while still maintaining a rigorous schedule.
  On July 23, 2008, aircraft 45 commanded by Major Jodi Maroney departed Edwards AFB for MCAS New River.  Major Maroney and her crew arrived MCAS New River on July 27, 2008.
  On the night of Saturday March 22, 2008, the Roadhogs began their last Annual Training period by executing section High Level Light (HLL) Night Vision Device (NVD) Confined Area Landings (CAL) in the local training area.  Upon the sections return to base, the aircrew were informed that there was an injured climber located approximately 90 miles north on Mount Whitney.  The aircrew gathered and reviewed all available information to include location and weather.  After conducting deliberate planning and briefing the hop, the aircrew boarded their aircraft and took off for the injured climber.
  Once airborne, the aircrew flew direct to Lone Pine Airport, landed and conducted a face-to-face brief with the ground rescue coordinator.  When complete with the brief, the aircraft took off and headed direct for the 12,000 MSL plus landing zone (LZ) that had been identified by rescuers at the injured climbers location.
  With both aircraft climbing to 14,000 MSL, the section was able to identify the LZ due to GPS coordinates and the headlamps that the ground rescuers were wearing.  As lead started setting up to land, dash 2 remained in the overhead to provide coverage and radio relay.
  After lead had been in the LZ for roughly 15 minutes, the aircraft departed the LZ with the injured climber aboard and both aircraft returned to Lone Pine Airport to execute the patient transfer to civilian medical services.  Once transfer complete, both Roadhog aircraft took off from Lone Pine and headed south to return to Edwards AFB landing around 0300.  Due to the quick actions and professionalism of the aircrew, the injured climber reportedly survived his traumatic injuries.
  On Monday July 14, 2008, the Roadhogs launched their last two aircraft (section led by Col Phillips) from Edwards AFB for MCAS New River, NC.  On Friday July 18, 2008 the section landed at MCAS New River, where the aircraft were transferred to HMH-461, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
  On August 2, 2008 at 1200, HMH-769 was deactivated at Edwards AFB.
caption: HMH-769 Pilot Maj. David Montesano Aerial Refuels during 2006 Annual Training.
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