Local 169 history

On 1 October 1986, the re-designated HMLA-169 received 12 UH-1N Hueys, increasing the Vipers' capabilities commensurate with the needs of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Testing of the composite squadron came on 8 October 1987, when HMLA-169 deployed with 72 hours’ notice as the Aviation Combat Element for contingency MAGTF 1-88 aboard the USS Okinawa enroute to the Persian Gulf.

In November of 1993, Viper University was formed to familiarize and educate new pilots in the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the HMLA and is still implemented to this day.

In 1997, HMLA-169 was required to sustain tri-site operations during their deployment period which culminated in the receipt of the John P. Giguere Squadron of the Year Award.

In February 2001, HMLA-169 took part in Marine Corps Warfighting Lab’s “Project Metropolis,” refining tactics, techniques and procedures in the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environment, which laid the groundwork for future Marine Corps Doctrine.

HMLA-169 achieved a milestone in March 2002 by surpassing 50,000 mishap-free flight hours.

In 2010, HMLA-169 transitioned to the highly capable UH-1Y Venom, and deployed again to Afghanistan, providing close air support to US Marine battalions, Army units, assault support units, and coalition partners, participating in over eighty named operations.

2016 boilermakers local 169 dinner dance. february 13, 2016. atheneum hotel in detroit, mi.

A boilermakers code class has been scheduled in area one for tuesday, july 10, 2018 at 8:00am . to register for the class, please call ashley at (313) 584 8520.