Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165

White Knights, tail code YW redesignated March 1st, 2011 from HMM-165

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, or VMM-165, has a long and varied history that began on July 1, 1965, when it was activated as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165) at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Ana, California. Notably, the squadron played a significant role in the Vietnam War, deploying extensively and participating in numerous operations, including the evacuation of Saigon during Operation FREQUENT WIND in April 1975. Following the Vietnam War, the squadron continued its active service, engaging in various deployments and missions worldwide. This included humanitarian aid efforts, such as flood relief operations in the Philippines, and participation in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s.

In the 21st century, VMM-165 has been heavily involved in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. A key development in the squadron's history was its redesignation as VMM-165, which reflected its transition from CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters to MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. More recently the unit has been involved in many exercises around the world, and also has been involved in domestic support operations, such as supporting firefighting exercises with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.