My name is LtCol Christopher "Snoop" Abrams, and I’m the current Commanding Officer of HMH-463. During a recent search of the web, I came across your website and felt compelled to write to those that began our legacy not too long ago. Let me bring you up to date on where we are. On August 11th of 2009, HMH-463 took over combat operations from HMH-362 (Uglies) as a part of Marine Aircraft Group 40 and in support of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan (II MEB-A). We’ll be here for approximately 6-7 months before our return to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, just in time for the 44th Anniversary of HMH-463 as a CH-53 squadron on 1 March. I’ve attached a picture of the D in action here in the southern region of the Helmand Province.

As you can see, the aircraft is doing great and staying healthier than ever. Some recent changes to the aircraft have allowed us to have a major impact in the Afghanistan Area of Operations despite the high altitude, hot temperatures and extremely dusty, brown out conditions. Of note, we’ve received the more powerful engine that is currently used on the CH-53E, some new Aircraft Survivability Equipment and as the picture shows – a Ramp Mounted Weapon System (RMWS) .50 cal (which has proven vital in some recent combat inserts to get us out of some precarious situations). You would be very proud of the young men and women who are extending the long-illustrious history of this squadron.

I simply wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for your service to our country and your professionalism in uniform that built the foundation of the Marine Corps’ finest squadron…”Pegasus”!

Semper Fi,

LtCol Christopher C. Abrams

Commanding Officer HMH-463

ACE MAG 40 MEB-A OEF