HMLA-469


Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1 SuperCobra and AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The squadron is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in Southern California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was activated on June 30, 2009.

Mission

The mission of the HMLA is to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Commander by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.

History

On October 29, 2009 a US Coast Guard HC-130 aircraft with seven crewmembers collided with an HMLA-469 AH-1 Cobra helicopter with two crewmembers east of San Clemente Island. Both aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean and all nine crewmembers in both aircraft were killed. The Coast Guard's HC-130 was searching for a missing boater while the Marine Corps' helicopter was heading towards a military training area in company with another Cobra and two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.