PREPARING FOR WARby Enrique del Rosario MCAF Santa Ana, California, 1964 coming in low, just barely above the sage, climbing suddenly, then dropping again down shadowed canyons past the ancient layered rocks, kicking up warlike clouds of dust, then, like hurrying schoolboys, departing in a chatter before the setting sun - two Marine helicopters train for war in the hills below Saddleback.
far away storm clouds gather |
Office of the Secretary Washington 25, D.C. 
SECNAV 5440 From: Secretary of the Navy Subj: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-365 (HMM-365), establishment of 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Notice is to establish Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-365 (HMM-365). 2. Establishment. The following activity is established as a unit of the Operating Forces of the Navy, in accordance with reference (a), effective 1 July 1963. It is integral to Marine Aircraft Group-36 and the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, at the Marine Corps Air Facility, Santa Ana, California. 3. Control. The administrative organization is a responsibility of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Attachment to the fleets will be as prescribed by the Chief of Naval Operations. The task organization within fleets and forces will be prescribed by the commander exercising operational control. 4. Mission. Provide helicopter transport of cargo and personnel for Fleet Marine Forces during ship-to-shore movement and within an objective area. 5. Implementation. Bureaus, offices and commands concerned take necessary action. |
