I flew with HMM-364 from late 67-April 1969, my MOS was 2542, but they needed volunteers (?), thus started my adventures. It was the best time of my 13 years in the Corps. I was stationed at Marble Mountain, MAG 16. But we flew far and wide. I personally think it is some of the best fun you can have with your PANTS ON
Phrogs Phorever..I didn't come in until '72 but have enjoyed my 46 time over the years with HMM-161 (twice), HMM-162, HMM-164 (in Oki), HMM-263 (twice)
The 46 can, in reality, do MORE than the Osprey and is STILL the backbone of the Marine Corps helo fleet.
Right on Rod....What a wonderful bird she was and is...and WILL BE for quite a long time.
HMM-364 is at Camp Pendleton now, and one of the origional birds from RVN is still in use today. It is the CO's bird. I went down and visited them about a year ago and walked down memory lane with a few of the older salts there, I was treated like a king while I was there. Made me feel good. God the troops are young, that I did notice.
I was stationed with HMMT-164 when they moved from El Toro to Camp Pendleton, as a 6112 CH-46 Mech. between 4-98 to 11-01. We would find all kinds of things done to the airframe during Nam.
You mean maybe, just maybe we did not follow NATOPS, I am shocked , I will have you know we followed all correct repairs, and all safety procedures Semper Fi
I was there with '164 from Feb 76 to Feb. 77. You probably knew a few of my buds who rotated after I did. I ran the F/E shop there- scrounged up the AC for it and that big new sewing machine they had- and that was probably the most interesting and fun year I ever had.
I wonder what they ever did with that mountain of orange life rafts that someone had ordered around '74. There must have been 100 of them piled up in front of my shop and the Supply guys next door to me.
Hey XNIGHTRIDER, did you find any beer cans riveted over bullet holes? I heard rumors of the 46' that got remaned, the contract workers would find that sort of stuff all the time.
Looking around there were some suspicious patches, of course the flight crew swore they were repairs according to all NATOPS standards. The bird was the CO's bird, so it was not flown to often. But it felt good to see the old girl. It was a good squadron and a hell of a group of men.
Originally posted by 2173965: Hey XNIGHTRIDER, did you find any beer cans riveted over bullet holes? I heard rumors of the 46' that got remaned, the contract workers would find that sort of stuff all the time.
Ive seen that. Back in late 2003 (i think it was 03) HMM-264 came home off the MEU, and since we occupied the hangar next door, they all went home and we took care of their birds for them. I opened up a syncshaft inspection panel on the tunnel and sure enough,, a flattened and riveted mountain dew can was used to repair a crack.
, I will have you know we followed all correct repairs, and all safety procedures 
