In January 2003, HMM-268 began the long process of deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Red Dragons distinguished themselves by their tireless support for combat and Casualty Evacuation CASEVAC operations throughout the area of operations, returning September 19, 2003.

In August 2004, HMM-268 deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
For seven months the Red Dragons provided CASEVAC support for I MEF units engaged in combat, returning home in March 2005.

The Red Dragons are the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award winners for 2004.
The award signifies commitment to aviation safety, professionalism, solid leadership, and effective operations and readiness.

The squadron redeployed to Iraq in early 2006, and from February 25, were responsible for casualty evacuation and assault support in the area around Al Taqaddum Airfield where they were based.

On June 28, 2008, HMM-268 deployed to Naval Air Station Lemoore after California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger requested military assistance to fight raging wildfires.
 The helicopters provided medium lift rotary wing support to United States Northern Command and the National Fire Center.

In March 2009 the Squadron again deployed to Iraq in support of II MAW FWD operations for stabilization of Anbar Provence.

In November 2011, HMM-268(REIN) embarked for its first shipboard deployment in over a decade aboard USS Makin Island and USS New Orleans as the ACE for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
 While deployed, the Red Dragons participated in seven Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) exercises in Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as supported several national tasking missions.
Upon return from the MEU deployment, HMM-268 was designated to transition from the CH-46E to the MV-22B Osprey.
 This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Red Dragons’ history as the squadron continued to maintain readiness while preparing for transition.
In January 2003, HMM-268 began the long process of deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Red Dragons distinguished themselves by their tireless support for combat and Casualty Evacuation CASEVAC operations throughout the area of operations, returning September 19, 2003.
In August 2004, HMM-268 deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. For seven months the Red Dragons provided CASEVAC support for I MEF units engaged in combat, returning home in March 2005.
The Red Dragons are the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award winners for 2004. The award signifies commitment to aviation safety, professionalism, solid leadership, and effective operations and readiness.
The squadron redeployed to Iraq in early 2006, and from February 25, were responsible for casualty evacuation and assault support in the area around Al Taqaddum Airfield where they were based.
On June 28, 2008, HMM-268 deployed to Naval Air Station Lemoore after California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger requested military assistance to fight raging wildfires.  The helicopters provided medium lift rotary wing support to United States Northern Command and the National Fire Center.
In March 2009 the Squadron again deployed to Iraq in support of II MAW FWD operations for stabilization of Anbar Provence.
In November 2011, HMM-268(REIN) embarked for its first shipboard deployment in over a decade aboard USS Makin Island and USS New Orleans as the ACE for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  While deployed, the Red Dragons participated in seven Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) exercises in Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as supported several national tasking missions. Upon return from the MEU deployment, HMM-268 was designated to transition from the CH-46E to the MV-22B Osprey.  This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Red Dragons’ history as the squadron continued to maintain readiness while preparing for transition.
VMM-268