USMC Helicopter Squadrons
$12.00
Only 22 items left in stock
Bulk Patch Pricing
Embroidered
Minimum order: 25
25-49: $6.00 each
50-99: $5.00 each
100-199: $4.00 each
200-299: $3.00 each
300+: $2.50 each
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Official VQ-3 Ironmen E-6B Mercury Patch — The Doomsday Communicators
When the phone rings on the E-6B, the whole world is about to change.
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3) "Ironmen" operates the E-6B Mercury — the U.S. Navy's airborne command post and communications relay platform for the nation's nuclear deterrent. Flying out of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, VQ-3 is one of two TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") squadrons tasked with providing survivable, reliable communication links between the National Command Authority and the U.S. nuclear triad of ballistic missile submarines, land-based ICBMs, and strategic bombers. If every other communication system goes down, the E-6B is the last line ensuring the President can communicate with the nuclear force. The Ironmen maintain 24/7 alert posture, with aircraft ready to launch on a moment's notice, providing an airborne communication bridge that keeps deterrence credible. This patch features the iconic E-6B Mercury and represents one of the most critical and least talked-about missions in the entire U.S. military.
Perfect For: VQ-3 Ironmen aircrew and veterans, E-6B Mercury community, TACAMO personnel, strategic communications professionals, Tinker AFB squadrons, submarine warfare community members, and anyone who understands that TACAMO keeps the peace.
VQ-3 Ironmen — Take Charge and Move Out.
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.
