deployment to Somalia participating in Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope. In 1995, the squadron deployed aboard as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the 24th MEU(SOC). During this deployment the squadron participated in six large scale, multinational exercises while providing Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) support for NATO Operation Deny Flight and Operation Provide Promise in the Adriatic Sea. The squadron also conducted the successful TRAP rescue mission of Air Force pilot Captain Scott O'Grady on 8 June 1995. In July 1996 the squadron was selected as the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s "Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year.” In 1997, HMM-263 went on another deployment providing a U.S. presence in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, as well as participating in Operation Joint Guard in the Adriatic Sea, and Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf. Global War on Terror During the nine-month deployment as part of the 24th MEU in 2002-2003, the Thunder Chickens, as they were then known, flew an unprecedented 9568 hours and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in and around Baghdad, Tikrit, and Al Kut, Iraq. In June and July, 2004 HMM-263 (Rein) was deployed to Al Taqqadum, Iraq. They once again engaged in support of combat operations. While participating in operations such as Second Battle of Fallujah, Citadel II, Riverwalk, and Plymouth Rock, HMM-263 (Rein) totaled 7,472.5 combat flight hours, of which an amazing 4,664.9 were on NVG’s. During this tour, the squadron executed the first all-Iraqi heliborne assault in support of the newly created Iraqi Security Forces. The squadron re-deployed in February 2005 with only seven CH-46E’s in anticipation of the transition to the MV-22. The squadron was officially stood down June 3, 2005, for transitioning from the CH-46 Sea Knight to the MV-22 Osprey. HMM-263 was re-designated VMM-263 and reactivated March 3, 2006 as the first operational MV-22 squadron. On 17 September 2007, VMM-263 left with 10 Ospreys from MCAS New River for Iraq aboard the amphibious assault ship . The squadron is currently training to become the first MV-22 squadron to support a Marine Expeditionary Unit. They will be part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and are due to float in the spring of 2009. Unit awards A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited. Members of the unit