HMM 163 Ridgerunners

HMM 163 Ridgerunners This page is for all Marines and Sailors who were at one time in their career a member of the organi A highly decorated unit.

HMM-163 has had a long and distinguished history dating back to 1951. CH-34 and CH-46 helicopters comprised the main body of the unit. CH-53, UH-1 and AH-1 helos also spent time with this unit while deployed overseas along with AV-8B Harriers. From February to October 1965, the HMM-163 "Ridge Runners" helicopter squadron became famous for its operations in Viet Nam. This was primarily due to a LIF

E magazine story that documented the combat death of Marine H-34 pilot 1st Lt James E. Magel and the rescue of wounded and paralyzed 1st Lt Dale Eddy during a strike mission transporting South Vietnamese troops.[1] For most U.S. citizens, this was the first time they were made aware of the extent of America's involvement in Viet Nam. Today it is known as VMM-163 with a compliment of V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. Nicknames include "Ridge Runners" & "Evil Eyes"

Evil Eyes continue the tradition.
03/19/2026

Evil Eyes continue the tradition.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the "Evils Eyes" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to depart San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise in the Pacific Ocean, March 1, 2026.

The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Helms)

For more pics & more info about MCAA visit www.flymcaa.org

03/18/2026

Frank Lenihan sent a message:

Hey There...Semper Fi! I am trying to locate a USMC Pilot from HMM 163 1990-91 Lt. Joel Holt

I thought this had been posted before but I can't find it.SgtMaj Chauvin joined HMM-163 about 5 months before I did.Sadl...
03/13/2026

I thought this had been posted before but I can't find it.

SgtMaj Chauvin joined HMM-163 about 5 months before I did.
Sadly he left us in 2006 before he hit 60.

View Armand J. Chauvin Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

OK Ridgerunners, show us pics of your time in the squadron.This is me. The shipboard one was either 1987 or 1989.The oth...
01/29/2026

OK Ridgerunners, show us pics of your time in the squadron.
This is me. The shipboard one was either 1987 or 1989.
The other 3 are prior to going on the 1989 WestPac. Pics with my mom and stepfather.

Evil Eyes still out patrolling.
12/30/2025

Evil Eyes still out patrolling.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with the "Evil Eyes" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to depart the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during flight operations, Dec. 12, 2025.

Boxer is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Miles)

To see more pics and learn more about MCAA visit www.flymcaa.org

From the POPASMOKE:POPASMOKE: USMC/Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor AssociationEd Farris · onsStdrope007h5g1m1gua0h4mml110...
12/16/2025

From the POPASMOKE:
POPASMOKE: USMC/Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association
Ed Farris · onsStdrope007h5g1m1gua0h4mml1109m74a6c9tlc31gfl02i41at2g7hf5 ·
Back home to Ellington (KEFD). Evil-Eyes lives!
National United States Armed Forces Museum

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