Recognizing Excellence: Bell Sponsors Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award

_{Bell Senior Strategy Manager Bill Hendricks presents the HMLA of the Year award to HMLA-367 "Scarface" during a visit to Camp Pendleton. (July 2025)}

Every year, Bell sponsors the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) annual award to honor the premier Marine Light Attack Helicopter (HMLA) squadron operating Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters. The criterion for this award includes overall performance metrics such as deployments, operational missions, flight hours flown, aircraft readiness rates, retention rates, and safety records. The ultimate winner is decided by Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation, ensuring that the most deserving squadrons are honored.

This year, Bell is proud to recognize HMLA-367, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with the John P. Giguere Award.

The Significance of Sponsoring the HMLA of the Year Award

The HMLA of the Year Award is among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Marine Corps rotary wing squadron. This award recognizes remarkable squadron achievement and the high standards and expectations that winning squadrons repeatedly exceed. As the H-1provider, sponsor and supporter, Bell is proud to recognize the extremely competitive nature of the HMLA of the Year Award and its significance.

_{Bell AH-1T Armed - (Bell Historical)}

The Captain John Patrick Giguere Award

The HMLA of the Year Award is named in honor of the late U.S. Marine Major John Patrick Giguere, who was killed in action during Operation URGENT FURY on the Island of Grenada. Major Giguere was posthumously promoted and awarded the Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. As an Attack Helicopter Commander of the AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter, Major Giguere displayed uncommon valor and extraordinary courage.

Bell H-1: A Legacy of Excellence

_{U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with HMLA-367, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, flies over Saga Prefecture, Japan, during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 (Aug. 2024 Photo by: LCpl Manuel Alvarado)}

The Bell AH-1Z Viper, the latest and most advanced model of the AH-1 Cobra line, is known for its firepower, speed, survivability, and advanced sensors and targeting systems. The AH-1Z is the only attack helicopter designed for both sea and land-based operations, making it novelly durable, operable in numerous environments, and capable of leveraging unmatched speed, range, and power.

The Bell UH-1Y Venom is the current generation of the iconic Bell Huey, known throughout the world for its dependability, reliability, and versatility. The Bell UH-1Y remains a trusted asset in contested operational environments around the world.

_{U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force tack to a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course (Sept. 2024 Photo by: Cpl. Kyle Chan)}

Bell is proud to celebrate the dedication, skill, and excellence of HMLA-367 “Scarface” as they continue to fly the Bell AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom. Their achievements exemplify the highest standards of Marine Corps Aviation, and Bell is honored to support and recognize their outstanding contributions.