VMM-264's first flight following reactivation

Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (VMM-264) 'Black Knights' ('EH-xx') was deactiviated on 24 June 2020 during a Marine Corps force redesign. However, on 12 December 2025, after a five-year hiatus, the squadron was formally reactivated at Marine Corps Air Station New River (NC), again flying the MV-22B Osprey to support the II Marine Expeditionary Force and continuing its legacy of assault support.

VMM-264 was the last East Coast squadron to make the transition from the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter to the Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey. The unit started the transition in March 2009, and squadron was redesignated from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264) to VMM-264 on 29 May 2009.

Going back in history, the 'Black Knights' were established on 30 June 1959 at MCAS New River as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 264 (HMR(L)-264). The unit was redesignated Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264) in February 1962. In the early years, HMM-264 operated the Sikorksy UH-34 Seahorse and the first CH-46 Sea Knights arrived in 1968.

Credit photos: USMC Cpl. David Ornelas Baeza and Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt Nava