the success of Exercise Fish Hook and LF CARAT, the squadron conducted the first flight of CH-53Es from Okinawa to Guam for Exercise KOA THUNDER before redeploying the squadron to Miramar, CA. The Flying Tigers played an essential role in the Commander's, U.S. Pacific Command Theater Engagement Plan while demonstrating the self-deployment capabilities of 1st MAW. During their deployment the Flying Tigers flew more than 9,000 nautical miles from Okinawa through the Philippines to Thailand, before returning to Okinawa, and then continuing on the first self-deployment to Guam. The squadron received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its performance during their 2000 - 2001 workup and UDP. Global War of Terror On 26 January 2005, a CH-53E Super Stallion from the unit crashed near Ar Rutbah, Iraq killing all 31 service members on board. In October 2008 the squadron deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based out of Al Asad Air Base, the squadron was responsible for multiple assault support missions and sorties, as well as delivery of troops, supplies, weapons support, and even delivery of troop mail. The squadron also carried out Angel Flight missions and Quick Reaction Force (QRF) missions. The squadron maintained a combat readiness above 95% during the deployment and was later awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its distinguished efforts while in the theater. The unit returned home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in late May 2008 (advanced party) and early June 2008 (main body). In February 2009, the squadron again deployed to the Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operating out of Al Asad Air Base, the squadron was responsible for multiple assault support missions and sorties, as well as delivery of troops, supplies, weapons support, and even delivery of troop mail. The squadron also carried out Angel Flight missions, MAGTF Support/Raid Missions and QRF. The squadron maintained a combat readiness above 93% during the deployment and was later awarded another Meritorious Unit Citation for its distinguished efforts while in the theater. The unit returned home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA in late July 2009 (advanced party) and early September 2009 (main body). In August 2010 HMH-361 deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They are based at Camp Leatherneck and returned to the U.S. in early 2011. In August 2012 HMH-361 again deployed to Afghanistan in support