HMLA-367 Scarface Hover Cover Desert Patch Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), the legendary "Scarface," traces its lineage to 1 December 1943 when it was activated at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia as Marine Observation Squadron 351 (VMO-351). Redesignated VMO-3 in January 1944, the squadron deployed to the Pacific, fighting in the skies over Peleliu and Okinawa with Piper J-3 Cub observation aircraft, and subsequently participated in the occupation of Northern China from October 1945 through June 1947. Reactivated at Camp Pendleton on 1 August 1966, the squadron deployed to Vietnam at Hue/Phu Bai in December 1966, where Scarface crews flew near-daily missions in support of MACV-SOG on top-secret reconnaissance missions deep into Laos. In 1969, HML-367 exceeded 2,000 flight hours in a single month. After Vietnam, the squadron participated in the evacuation of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees during Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind in April 1975. Shortly after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, HMLA-367 deployed to Saudi Arabia as the first operational Marine light attack helicopter squadron in theater. During Desert Storm, Scarface recorded the first Iraqi tank kill by an AH-1W Super Cobra at the Battle of Al Elbow on 30 January 1991, ultimately accumulating confirmed kills of 48 tanks, 24 armored personnel carriers, and 23 other vehicles—more than any other combat squadron. This "Hover Cover" desert patch represents HMLA-367's mission of providing armed helicopter escort and close air support in desert environments. The squadron deployed three times to Iraq in four years and in October 2009 made the first combat deployment of the UH-1Y Venom to Afghanistan, simultaneously supporting seven infantry battalions and participating in the battles for Marjah and Now Zad in Helmand Province. After decommissioning in April 2022 as part of Force Design 2030, Scarface was reactivated on 16 December 2022 at MCAS Camp Pendleton under MAG-39. Perfect For: HMLA-367 Scarface members and veterans, VMO-3 alumni, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom community members, MAG-39 and 3rd MAW personnel, Desert Storm helicopter veterans, and Marine light attack aviation enthusiasts. Scarface—from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Kuwait and the mountains of Afghanistan, always providing hover cover when the ground Marines need it most.
