coast, the Blue Knights launched a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and personnel (TRAP) mission into Yugoslavia following the downing of an Italian cargo aircraft carrying relief supplies into Sarajevo. In April 1994, the squadron deployed aboard the USS Guam as the ACE for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this deployment, the squadron participated in the 50th anniversary commemoration of D-Day in the English Channel. President Clinton was flown on squadron aircraft, as well as the Commandant of the Marine Corps, during the ceremonies. The squadron was later used for stand-by in the area near Somalia as American troops were withdrawn. The squadron then supported operations in the Adriatic Sea. In 1995, the squadron was presented with the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) Edward C. Dyer Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award. The squadron departed for its 1997 deployment aboard the USS Nassau on November 23, 1996. During the deployment, the Blue Knights supported Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Operation Silver Wake, the Non-combatant Evacuation of the American Embassy in Tirana, Albania. During Silver Wake, the squadron successfully evacuated 851 Americans and third country nationals. Once again, the squadron received the 1997 MCAA Edward C. Dyer Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award. In 1999, the Blue Knights supported Operation Noble Anvil and Operation Shining Hope in the Kosovo War and based aircraft ashore at Skopje, Macedonia from June to July in order to support NATO’s peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions. In September, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit was ordered to support earthquake relief operations in Turkey. HMM-365 flew rescue and surveyor teams during Operation Avid Response. The Global War on Terror Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Blue Knights prepared for immediate departure. The 26th MEU set sail September 20. The MEU transited to a position off the coast of Pakistan to begin combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. HMM-365(REIN), in concert with HMM-163(REIN), launched 6 CH-53Es to secure Camp Rhino, nearly inland. After securing both Camp Rhino and Kandahar Airport deep in Afghanistan, the Blue Knights supported coalition forces conducting raids against the Taliban from December 2001 to February 2002. In March, the ARG transited to the Red Sea for a potential NEO in Yemen and to support Vice President Dick Cheney’s visit to the region. In January 2003, the Blue Knights prepared for deployment to Ali Al Salem Airbase, Kuwait