 During 1979, SOES relinquished many of the duties previously assigned to itself and the former AES-46 to become responsible primarily for the operation and maintenance of its assigned aircraft.SOES was redesignated as Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) in 1997 and remains a unique Marine Corps asset that operates two C-9B Skytrains, two UC-35D Cessna Encores, and three HH-46D Seaknight helicopters.The squadron operates its C-9B and UC-35 aircraft in myriad missions dealing with cargo and troop movement, in addition to the transportation of military and civilian dignitaries.