VMO-2 Squadron Command Chronology: On 20 April, two VMO-2 gunships and one HML-167 gunship launched a search and destroy mission in the [Operation] Foster area.  During a gun run, the HML-167 aircraft crashed, killing all aboard.  The VMO-2 gunships provided cover in the crash area, and other gunships were launched to provide suppressive fire in the area.

Comments: Various members of the Wing Staff came to the VMO squadrons for proficiency flight time in the UH-1E (huey).  Maj Bill Walker, who was an H-53 pilot by MOS, was doing this as the copilot on this day with HML-167.  Many of the crews were integrated from different squadrons, as HML-167 was newly commissioned as a Marine Light Helicopter (huey) squadron on 15 March 1968, obtaining many of its crew members and aircraft from VMO-2.  Submitted by Alan H. Barbour, pilot, VMO-2