HMM 163 Ridgerunners

09/22/2026

I remember some of the operations we had when I was in the Persian Gulf in 1988.
The video shows aircraft from VMM-163, my old squadron, then HMM-163.
Instead of a full carrier we had 6 aircraft on an LPD. Too small for what was needed but we made it happen.
The video keeps showing a H-60 Blackhawk. That wasn't part of 163. Funny since that is what I got medivac'd on when I had my troubles. Instead of using one of our Hueys to take us (myself and Mark Ptaszynski [classmate from MVHS Class of 1979]) they called in one of the Army Blackhawks stationed out there.
We didn't have to board any ships while we were there at the time but the grunts did practice repelling and boarding. That is how Mark got screwed up and medivac's with me.
I keep hearing people spouting BU****IT about what is happening there now but it has been going on for 47 years. Oil tankers were being attacked back then, the same as now. Our ship encountered Iranian pukes a few times as they used speedboats to harass us and others out there.

08/16/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HXyDtry3U/

A U.S. Marines Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with the "Evil Eyes" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Aug. 10, 2026.

Boxer is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)

Learn more about MCAA by visiting www.flymcaa.org

08/01/2026

Pretty sure some of you deployed on the Pel

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

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.

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.

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