Executive Flight Detachment
The presidential and VIP flights are conducted by "Whiteside," the Executive Flight Detachment. Most activities of Whiteside are directed by the White House Military Office. Whiteside, although based at Quantico, Virginia, operates extensively out of an alert facility at Naval Support Facility Anacostia in Washington, D.C.
Operations by "Greenside," which is the rest of HMX-1, include operational test and evaluation, such as with the V-22 Osprey, a vertical take-off and landing tiltrotor aircraft, and support of exercises and training evolutions for the Marine Corps Combat Development Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
Interestingly, the "X" in its squadron designator originally stood for Experimental, emblematic of its original mission of testing new helicopters and flight systems. However, as its operational role in VIP transportation overshadowed its operational test and evaluation role, the "Experimental" moniker was dropped, although the squadron designator was left unchanged.
Marines who fly in the Executive Flight Detachment may be eligible for the Presidential Service Badge after a certain term of service.
Read more about this topic: HMX-1
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