Elk are most often associated with forests, mountains and wild backcountry landscapes. True, they have been known to wander into the surf of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, but that’s a rarity. So is that would you call a sea elk?
Actually, SeaElk is the nickname of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 or VMM-166. The transport assault support unit does much more than just performs and entertains at your local air show. Originally activated in 1985, the SeaElk is based out of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
Its mascot is “Lucky the Elk.” Its motto is “Because We Can” and the SeaElk have more than lived up to that. The unit served in Rwanda, Zaire, southwest Asia and numerous operations in the Middle East including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
To the SeaElk and all our military and their families serving stateside and around the world, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation thanks and salutes you!
(Photo source: Richard Reno)