USMC VMFA-533 Hawks Aggressor Chest and Shoulder Patches — Embroidered Patches
The Hawks Aggressor — Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533
VMFA-533 "Hawks" is one of the most historically significant fighter squadrons in Marine Corps aviation, with a combat record spanning from World War II night fighters to modern fifth-generation stealth operations. Based at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, under MAG-31 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Hawks are currently transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II as part of the Marine Corps' modernization of its tactical aviation fleet.
Commissioned on 1 October 1943 at MCAS Cherry Point as Marine Night Fighter Squadron 533 (VMF(N)-533), the squadron was originally known as "Black Mac's Killers" after their first commanding officer, Major Marion M. Magruder. Flying F6F-5N Hellcats equipped with APS-6 radar, VMF(N)-533 deployed to the Pacific and distinguished itself at Okinawa by claiming the most aerial victories of any night fighter squadron and producing the Marine Corps' first night fighter ace, Captain Robert Baird. The Hawks have since flown an extraordinary progression of aircraft—F7F Tigercats, F2H Banshees, F9F Cougars, A-4 Skyhawks, A-6 Intruders, and F/A-18D Hornets.
The squadron's modern combat record is equally impressive. VMA(AW)-533 accumulated over 10,000 combat sorties during the Vietnam War, deployed to Bahrain for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, supported NATO operations including Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia with 111 combat sorties, and flew 558 sorties and 1,440 flight hours during Operation Iraqi Freedom while expending over 800,000 pounds of ordnance. For their service in Iraq, the Hawks earned a Presidential Unit Citation.
Perfect For: Veterans of VMFA-533/VMFA(AW)-533, F/A-18D and F-35B aircrews, Marines of MAG-31 and 2nd MAW, aggressor and adversary training enthusiasts, and collectors of elite Marine fighter squadron insignia.
This aggressor-themed patch set honors the Hawks' remarkable eight-decade evolution—from nighttime Hellcat aces over Okinawa to today's Lightning II warriors.
