Official VMM-263 Thunder Chicken Gopher Broke Remove Before Flight Key Rings — Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 Thunder Chickens "Gopher Broke" Remove Before Flight Key Ring
Gopher Broke — VMM-263 Thunder Chickens' "Remove Before Flight" key ring, combining military aviation tradition with the Thunder Chickens' unique squadron humor.
This key ring from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), the "Thunder Chickens," features the classic "Remove Before Flight" format used on aircraft safety streamers, combined with VMM-263's "Gopher Broke" motto. "Remove Before Flight" key rings have become one of the most popular aviation accessories in both military and civilian flying communities, derived from the red safety streamers attached to aircraft pitot covers, ejection seats, and other components that must be removed before flight.
VMM-263 operates the MV-22B Osprey from MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, as part of MAG-26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The "Thunder Chickens" are one of the Marine Corps' East Coast tiltrotor squadrons, and the "Gopher Broke" motto captures the squadron's fearless, all-in approach to every mission. The Thunder Chickens name is one of the most beloved in Marine aviation — self-deprecating, memorable, and worn with fierce pride.
This key ring makes a perfect everyday carry item, attaching to keys, flight bags, backpacks, and gear.
Perfect For: VMM-263 Thunder Chickens members and veterans, MV-22B Osprey community, "Remove Before Flight" collectors, Marine aviation key ring enthusiasts, and aviation accessory collectors.
VMM-263 Thunder Chickens — Gopher Broke — remove before flight, fly before thinking, Thunder Chicken forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to swap patches on/off gear, choose hook & loop (velcro). If you’re attaching permanently to uniforms or fabric, choose sew-on. If you want quick application on compatible fabric, choose iron-on / heat seal (when offered). Backing options are shown on the page and update based on the variant you select.
Size is shown on the product page and updates with the variant you select (example: 3"). If you’re mounting on a hat or small panel, choose smaller sizes; for plate carriers and display boards, larger sizes fit better.
If the product is officially licensed, it will say “Officially Licensed” in the title and/or in the product details. If it doesn’t, it’s still a legitimate product—just not part of a licensed program.
Yes. If you see a note like “bulk reruns available,” that means we can support group orders or reruns. If you don’t see it, contact us with the unit/squadron and quantity and we’ll confirm options.
Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.