t’s a bright and sunny autumn morning at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. While on the adjacent ramps it is still quiet, the ramp of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, aka HMLA-773, is already packed with Bell UH-1Y Venom and Bell AH-1Z Viper
helicopters that busy maintenance crews are preparing for the day’s flights. Although it’s a Marine Reserve Unit, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 plays a key role in the organization and operations of the United States Marine Corps.