VMGRT - 253 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 ( VMGRT 253 ) was based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point , North Carolina , and responsible for providing the Fleet Marine Force active - duty and reserve KC - 130 squadrons with qualified replacement pilots and enlisted aircrew . Known as the " Titans " , VMGRT - 253 was a subordinate unit of Marine Aircraft Group 14 , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing . Mission . Tasked with the initial training of all KC - 130 pilots , Tactical System Operators ( Navigators ) , Flight Engineers , Loadmasters , and First Mechanics . The squadron delivers combat capable crews to the fleet KC - 130 squadrons , thus allowing the fleet squadrons to concentrate on tactical awareness and preparation . Refresher training is also provided for Marine aviators returning to flying duty after extended ground assignments . The squadron employs 5 KC - 130F aircraft , in order to complete its mission of training 30 Aviators , 24 Tactical System Operators , 8 Flight Engineers , 22 Loadmasters , and 30 Flight Mechanics each year . As the model manager for the Marine Corps ' KC - 130 community , VMGRT - 253 is charged with maintaining standardization throughout the fleet . Until 1989 , VMGRT - 253 was also the Fleet Replacement Enlisted Skills Training Center ( FREST ) , tasked with training all the KC - 130 maintenance crew Marines and Sailors . As the Model Manager for maintenance training , VMGRT - 253 consolidated East and West Coast technical schools into a new facility . History . The squadron was activated on October 1 , 1986 as Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 ( VMGRT - 253 ) . They received their first C - 130 Hercules aircraft , bureau number 149803 on November 20 , 1986 . The squadron held its official commissioning ceremony on January 30 , 1987 . In addition to improving the aircrew and maintenance personnel of 10 Navy and Marine Corps squadrons , VMGRT - 253 stands ready to augment forward deployed operational units . During Operation Desert Storm VMGRT - 253 was tasked with providing tankers to requalify numerous fixed wing jet pilots in aerial refueling prior to deploying to the desert . Additionally , after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 , VMGRT - 253 crews and aircraft provided disaster relief support . In March 1996 the Titans completed their first ever full deployment . While deployed in Key West for two weeks the squadron carried out all normal assignments and flew an aggressive flight schedule . In 2000 , VMGRT - 253 broke new ground when it became the first Marine Corps squadron to receive the KC - 130J . The J - Flight Introduction Team ( JFIT ) was formed and the squadron was tasked with building a training program and training the aircrews . December 20 , 2002 , VMGRT - 253 transferred its KC - 130J ’ s and personnel to VMGR - 252 . In 2005 , VMGRT - 253 flew 67 sorties and 137 . 2 hours , carrying of cargo and 236 passengers in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts . The squadron also aided the evacuation efforts of aircraft and personnel aboard MCAS Cherry Point during Hurricane Ophelia to Wright - Patterson AFB . The squadron was officially deactivated during a ceremony on September 14 , 2006 . LtCol Adam Holmes ( the last commander of the unit ) cased the unit colors , which were placed in storage . Safety . With the most diverse training requirements in the Marine Corps , the squadron has achieved impressive milestones . Since its commissioning , VMGRT - 253 has flown over 19 years without a class “ A ” mishap while teaching the least experienced aircrew , making over 5000 landings a year and achieving 55 , 000 total flight hours in the oldest aircraft in the Fleet . The Titans have received awards for both safety and community service . VMGRT - 253 has received 8 consecutive Fleet Marine Force Aviation Safety Awards and 2 Commandant ’ s Unit Awards for mishap free flight time .