MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- From several Iraq deployments to numerous humanitarian relief operations, nothing has prevented one squadron from writing another chapter within their history.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, also known as “Evil Eyes,” earned a safety award April 19 for surpassing 70,000 “Class A” mishap-free flight hours. This award marks a legacy of safe flying during the squadron’s 54-year history.

“It took an enormous amount of hard work, discipline and by-the-book maintenance,” said Lt. Col. Brent S. Willson, commanding officer, HMM-163. “Whatever our nation has asked us to do we have done safely, and that’s really what the mission is at the end of the day.”

The squadron held a formation on the flight line to welcome the return of the CH-46E Sea Knight that would mark the 70,000th “Class A” mishap-free hour. When the helicopter landed and taxied near the formation, the aircrew dismounted and reported the achievement to the MAG-11 commanding officer.   

“It’s an honor to be part of the aircrew to do this,” said Capt. Joe Mederos, pilot, HMM-163, and a 27-year-old native of Delano, Calif. “We went out and accomplished our training then came back.”

After the aircrew reported in, John Valovich, a representive from Boeing, presented the squadron with the 70,000-hour plaque.

“This is a positive milestone in the squadron’s history,” said Willson, a New York City native. “Seventy thousand is just a start. Everyday is a new day, and we have to be as professional as we were the day before.”

When the ceremony concluded, the Marines were treated to a piece of cake as part of the celebration for their hard work and dedication.

“I am privileged to accept this award on behalf of the squadron, but it’s not about me, it’s about the Marines in the squadron,” said Willson.

It has been 13 years since the squadron’s last “Class A” mishap. Since then every Marine and sailor within the squadron has contributed to the achievement of the award.

“It took more than just these ‘Evil Eyes’ here today,” concluded Willson. “It took ‘Evil Eyes’ from the last 13 years. Hopefully, with hard work and dedication we can hand this legacy off to future ‘Evil Eyes’.”