The criterion for this award includes overall performance metrics such as deployments, operational missions, flight hours flown, aircraft readiness rates, retention rates, and safety records.
The ultimate winner is decided by Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation, ensuring that the most deserving squadrons are honored.
This year, Bell is proud to recognize HMLA-367, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with the John P. Giguere Award.
The Significance of Sponsoring the HMLA of the Year Award
The original Vietnam-era Bell AH-1G Cobra was the dedicated attack helicopter that served as a companion to the single-engine UH-1 Huey
The HMLA of the Year Award is among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Marine Corps rotary wing squadron. This award recognizes remarkable squadron achievement and the high standards and expectations that winning squadrons repeatedly exceed. As the H-1provider, sponsor and supporter, Bell is proud to recognize the extremely competitive nature of the HMLA of the Year Award and its significance.
The Captain John Patrick Giguere Award
The HMLA of the Year Award is named in honor of the late U.S. Marine Major John Patrick Giguere, who was killed in action during Operation URGENT FURY on the Island of Grenada. Major Giguere was posthumously promoted and awarded the Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. As an Attack Helicopter Commander of the AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter, Major Giguere displayed uncommon valor and extraordinary courage.
The Bell AH-1Z Viper, the latest and most advanced model of the AH-1 Cobra line, is known for its firepower, speed, survivability, and advanced sensors and targeting systems. The AH-1Z is the only attack helicopter designed for both sea and land-based operations, making it novelly durable, operable in numerous environments, and capable of leveraging unmatched speed, range, and power.
The current UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper
The Bell UH-1Y Venom is the current generation of the iconic Bell Huey, known throughout the world for its dependability, reliability, and versatility. The Bell UH-1Y remains a trusted asset in contested operational environments around the world.
Bell is proud to celebrate the dedication, skill, and excellence of HMLA-367 “Scarface” as they continue to fly the Bell AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom. Their achievements exemplify the highest standards of Marine Corps Aviation, and Bell is honored to support and recognize their outstanding contributions.
Bell sponsors the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) of the Year award
About Bell : Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron : Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems.
See also |
Bell Helicopter HMLA-367
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 US Marine Corps 
