Lieutenant Colonel Leland C. Ritter was the first Commanding Officer of HMM-265 when the squadron was formed at MCAS New River in 1962. He celebrated his 100th birthday on January 20, 2022. Here is a link to some remembrances of … Continue reading →
Here are a few pictures from LtCol Ritters time as HMM-265’s first CO, courtesy of Scotty McGregor. Soupy Campbell says that it is LtCol Ritter’s picture on the Thundermug seat.
Continue reading →This photo of HMM-265 squadron officers was taken in early 1965 (best guess) on the flight line at New River. Let’s try to figure out who these guys are. There are four rows: one row of three heavies in front … Continue reading →
Received the following from Kay Ritter Grasso. Her father, Lt.Col. Leland C. Ritter, was the squadron’s first CO, 1962 to 1964. On 1/21/2022 at 2:06 PM Kay Grasso wrote: “If you recall, Lee was the first CO of HMM-265. He … Continue reading →
If you have ever wondered what happened to your old aircraft, then here is a link https://www.helis.com/ that should tell you. It has information about every CH-46A ever made, as well as a drop-down list of all of the other … Continue reading →
Commanding Officers of HMM-265 from initial stand-up (1962) to the present. Commanding Officer From To Comments 1 LtCol Leland C. Ritter 1962 1964 Approximate dates. UH-34Ds 2 LtCol Edward Stanton 1964 1965 Approximate dates. Squadron received first CH-46As 29 Jun … Continue reading →
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) was the first CH-46A squadron in the Armed Forces. During it’s proud and heroic history, HMM-265 has taken Marines into battle, resupplied them, evacuated the wounded, rescued beleaguered units at almost impossible odds, provided … Continue reading →
Forty-nine years of Phrogs in the fight and still counting . . . 29 June 1964: The very first CH-46 “Phrogs” were delivered to HMM-265 to begin a glorious and unprecedented term of service with the Fleet. November 2012: HMM-265 conducted its final … Continue reading →