Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 | |
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Active | December 1951 - present |
Country | United States |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Medium Lift Tiltrotor Squadron |
Role | Assault Support |
Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 16 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar |
Nickname(s) | "Evil Eyes" "Ridge Runners" (1953-2015) |
Tail Code | YP |
Engagements | Vietnam War * Battle of A Shau Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
Commanders | |
Current commander | LtCol David G. Batcheler |
Aircraft flown | |
MV-22B Osprey |
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport tiltrotors. The squadron, known as "Evil Eyes", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
The Squadron's original nickname, the "Ridge Runners", was bestowed as a result of typhoon rescue and relief operations in the mountainous terrain surrounding Hanshin, Japan following Typhoon Tess in September 1953. In 2015, the squadron officially adopted the moniker "Evil Eyes." This comes from the eyes that have been painted on squadron aircraft since October 1965 when it was recommended by the squadron's intelligence officer for operation in South Vietnam.