Tomcats, tail code WB received their first helicopter, the Sikorsky HO3S-1 (H-5) in 1950. They played an active role in Korea (pictured), where they replaced it later with Bell 47s and then again in the Vietnam War with the turbine powered Hueys UH-1E. The squadron was deactivated on January 1, 1977.
Visit the VMO-6 Memorial for more information
In Jul 1950, the unit received 4 HO3S-1, alongside fixed wing OY-2 observation aircraft, to become worlds first mixed squadron (rotary and fixed wing).
It arrived in S Korea on 2 Aug 1950 and distinguished itself 2 days later, rescuing wounded from a battlefield near Chindongni.
It arrived in S Korea on 2 Aug 1950 and distinguished itself 2 days later, rescuing wounded from a battlefield near Chindongni.
I was a crewchief with VMO-6 during my tour in Nam 1967. The location listed Chu Lai airfield the helicopters of VMO-6 was located about 6 miles north of Chu Lai is where Marine helicopters were, name Ke-Ha (spelling?) south of Tam ky on the Map. During the summer of 1967 We relocated up north to Quang tri combat base several miles south of Dong Ha and the hell begin. Sempi-Fi, A.L Sutton, Cpl USMC crewchief VMO-6 1967
The correct Spelling for ""Ke Ha" is Ky Ha. On September 1, 1965, MAG-36, 1st MAW, disembarked from the USS Princeton to what became the Marine Corps Airfield, Ky Ha. VMO-6 was among the several MAG-36 squadrons to disembark, making a helicopter assault on that area. The MAG-36 had to provide it's own security while at Ky Ha due to no availability of Marine Corps grunt forces. The Ky Ha Airfield was not prepared and ready for the MAG-36 arrival and had only just begun building the heli pads. All MAG-36 personnel had to live in field conditions for several months until the whole airfield had been completed. This was during the monsoon season, beginning days after landing in South Vietnam. Living conditions were horrific. Regardless, VMO-6 and MAG-36 began operations in the Vietnam War within several days after it's arrival on September 1, 1965. I was assigned to VMO-6, MAG-36, 1st MAW, Republic of South Vietnam, then LCpl R L Britt, USMC. I departed VMO-6 on September 12, 1966, heading for MCSC, Albany, Georgia.
1961-1963 supply clerk for vmo-2 in Futenma, Okinawa. We had oe-1 and hok helicopters. Put in for re-up in 1963. was denied transfer to da-nang (one of few liberty capitals of the world). Had to be of e-5 rank or higher to transfer there. Discharged in 1963. Finished college on gi bill and baseball ride. Followed squadron activities and still look back to great friends and times serving vmo-2 and vmo-6. LCPL Dick Irvine 60
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VMO-6 List of helicopters |
C/N | Version | Built | In this Org | In other Org | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6016 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151281 : VMO-6 w/o 07feb68 : VMO-6 /WB-9, I was the crew chief, we went back to Lang Vey to get a SOG m+ | |||||||
6017 w/o 1967 | UH-1E | 151282 : VMO-6 w/o 14jan67 | |||||||
6021 w/o 1967 | UH-1E | 151286 : VMO-6 w/o 10may67 | |||||||
6024 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151289 : VMO-6 w/o 25feb68 | |||||||
6026 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151291 : VMO-6 w/o 15feb68 | |||||||
6029 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151294 : VMO-6 w/o 07jun68 | |||||||
6030 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151295 : VMO-6 w/o 07nov68 | |||||||
6036 w/o 1967 | UH-1E | 151842 : VMO-6 w/o 18aug67 | |||||||
6046 w/o 1967 | UH-1E | 151852 : VMO-6 w/o 05apr67 | |||||||
6052 | UH-1E | 1965 | 151858 : USMC d/d Jun65 MCAS New River, NC; Jun65-Feb67 VMO-1 MCAS New River, NC; + | N121FC | |||||
6057 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151863 : VMO-6 w/o 02oct68 | |||||||
6058 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 151864 : VMO-6 w/o 18may68 | |||||||
6066 w/o 1966 | UH-1E | 151872 : VMO-6 w/o 06feb66 | |||||||
6067 w/o 1966 | UH-1E | 151873 : VMO-6 w/o 14nov66 | |||||||
6090 w/o 1969 | UH-1E | 152424 : VMO-6 w/o 28feb69 | |||||||
6091 w/o 1969 | UH-1E | 152425 : VMO-6 w/o 18may69 | |||||||
6125 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 153759 : VMO-6 w/o 08jul68 | |||||||
6127 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 153761 : VMO-6 w/o 24mar68 | |||||||
6133 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 153767 : VMO-6 w/o 26aug68 | |||||||
6144 | UH-1E | 154760 : USMC VMO-6 as WB-15; Aircraft flown by Maj Stephen Pless during the actio+ | |||||||
6145 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 154761 : VMO-6 w/o 25apr68 | |||||||
6189 w/o 1970 | UH-1E | 154967 : VMO-6 w/o 11jun70 | |||||||
6190 w/o 1968 | UH-1E | 154968 : VMO-6 w/o 11apr68 | |||||||
6128 | UH-1E | 1966 | N911KK : Collings Foundation, Houston Texas from Feb02;
Restored to VMO-6 colors, p+ |