HMLA-269 Gunrunners Gray PVC Patch - With Hook and Loop A 4" inch with Hook and Loop PVC patch of the HMLA-269 Gunrunners. HMLA-269 was formed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina on 22 February 1971 and activated on 1 July 1971 as the Marine Corps first designated Attack Helicopter squadron. Equipped with the AH-1J Sea Cobra, HMA-269s mission was to provide close-in fire support during aerial and ground escort operations during ship to shore movement and subsequent operations ashore. In December 1977 HMLA-269 took delivery of the first AH-1T (TOW) Cobra. The Squadron opened a new era of attack helicopter aviation in 1979 by being the first Marine Corps squadron to fire the TOW anti-tank missile from an airborne platform. From that day, HML/A-269 has not surrendered the lead in developing a wide range of new anti-armor tactics. In the Early Eighties, with the addition of the UH-1N, HML/A-269 expanded its primary mission to include utility helicopter support. Though heavily committed, HML/A-269 maintained its impressive list of firsts; first flight testing of biochemical protective suits in the AH-1T (TOW), first flight testing of fast rope insertion equipment, first to refine the TOW missile engagement gun and missile radars. Additionally, the squadron participated in the first actual movement of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing assets in an air contingency drill. In 1986, the Gunrunners achieved yet another first when they fired a Sidewinder air-to-air missile at a target drone over the Desert of China Lake. These achievements earned the squadron a Meritorious Unit Commendation and selection as the Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 1986. In 1990, the Gunrunners deployed to Southwest Asia with twelve AH-1Ws, three AH-1Ts and six UH-1Ns. These assets participated in major 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade exercises during Operation DESERT SHIELD. During operation DESERT STORM, the squadron conducted critical on-call