base in support of Task Force 58 and other coalition Special Operations Forces. In 2003, the Evil Eyes deployed from August 22, 2003 to March 8, 2004 with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Again, the squadron made history by being part of the first Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1). The ESG concept focused on combining surface action groups and submarines with traditional Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs) and MEUs to offer theater combatant commanders more flexibility and capabilities. During this deployment HMM-163 participated in security operation in the southern Iraqi city of Basrah in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Awards HMM-163 received the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, and 1996. Meritorious Unit Commendations (MUC) with one Gold Star Named the MCAA Helicopter squadron of the Year in 1979, 1981, 1985, 1990, and 2002. Gallery See also List of United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons United States Marine Corps Aviation References Citations Bibliography External links VMM163