Activated on Jan 15, 1951 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 (HMR-161)
Redesignated on Dec 31, 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 161 (HMR(L)-161)
Redesignated on Feb 1, 1962, as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161)
Redesignated on December 2009, as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161)