HMLA-773 Det A Flightline Qual Shoulder Patch — Embroidered Patch
Detachment Alpha Red Dogs — Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773
HMLA-773 "Red Dogs" is the United States Marine Corps' largest light attack helicopter squadron and one of its most unique — a reserve unit that has repeatedly proven itself in combat alongside active-duty forces. Detachment Alpha, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, carries forward the fighting spirit of citizen-Marines who balance civilian careers with the demands of maintaining combat-ready helicopter operations.
The Red Dogs' lineage began in June 1968 when HMM-765 arrived at NAS Atlanta with just 7 officers, 12 enlisted men, and a single UH-34D helicopter. The squadron grew rapidly, transitioning to AH-1G Cobras in 1976 and redesignating as HMA-773. In November 1990, HMA-773 made history as the first reserve helicopter squadron activated and deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, distinguishing itself with mine-sweeping escort and combat missions aboard USS New Orleans and USS Tripoli, earning the Navy Unit Commendation.
Following 9/11, HMLA-773 activated in October 2003 and deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, for 18 months of continuous combat operations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The squadron's combat service was captured in the documentary "Task Force Red Dog." When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, HMLA-773 was among the first military units to arrive for rescue and relief operations. The Red Dogs have also deployed on numerous counter-narcotics operations, aiding in the destruction of over $20 billion worth of illegal narcotics across the Caribbean and within the United States.
Perfect For: Reserve Marines of HMLA-773 Det A, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom aircrews, Marines of MAG-49 and 4th MAW, New Orleans-based reserve Marines, and collectors of Marine Reserve aviation insignia.
This flightline qualification patch honors the maintainers of Det A — the citizen-Marines who keep the Red Dogs' Vipers and Venoms combat-ready from the bayous of Louisiana to the battlefields of Afghanistan.
