Additionally, the squadron participated in the first actual movement of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing assets in an air contingency drill.

In 1986, The Gunrunners achieved yet another first when they fired a Sidewinder air-to-air missile at a target drone over the Island of Vieques, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

At one time during 1988 while commanded by Lt. Col. Christopher B. Stoops, the squadron deployed for the Persian Gulf while simultaneously operating three other detachments in North Carolina and the Caribbean Sea.

Meanwhile, Gunrunner Hueys played a vital role in the raid on Faylaka Island, firing in excess of 75 2.75-inch rockets at fortified Iraqi positions under NVG low light level conditions.

In 1994 the Gunrunners were tasked with providing a detachment on short notice to HMM-264 for Special Purpose MAGTF-CARIB in support of Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

One year later, on 6 June 1995, two Gunrunner cobras, assigned to HMM-263 and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit escorted two CH-53Es from the USS Kearsarge to successfully rescue Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady.

In 2002 The Gunrunners attached to HMM-263 (REIN) with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) flew in Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, Operation Enduring Freedom.