USMC Helicopter Squadrons
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Officially Licensed VQ-3 & VQ-4 E-6B Block II Test Patch — Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons 3 and 4 E-6B Mercury Block II Test Patch
The doomsday communications link gets an upgrade — VQ-3 and VQ-4 testing the E-6B Mercury Block II, ensuring the nation's nuclear command and control stays unbreakable.
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3), the "Ironmen," and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4 (VQ-4), the "Shadows," are the two U.S. Navy squadrons that operate the Boeing E-6B Mercury, the airborne command post and communications relay platform that provides the critical communications link for the nation's nuclear triad. This patch commemorates the Block II upgrade testing conducted jointly by both squadrons.
The E-6B Mercury is based on the Boeing 707 airframe and serves as the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) platform, capable of relaying Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) from the National Command Authority to the nation's ballistic missile submarine fleet. The aircraft can also serve as an Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS), providing backup launch capability for land-based ICBMs. The Block II upgrade represents a significant modernization of the E-6B's avionics, communications systems, and mission equipment.
VQ-3 is based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and VQ-4 is based at the same installation, with both squadrons maintaining continuous alert status to ensure at least one E-6B is always airborne or ready to launch on short notice. The joint test effort for Block II demonstrates the close coordination between these two squadrons in maintaining the nation's most critical communications capability.
Perfect For: VQ-3 Ironmen and VQ-4 Shadows members and veterans, E-6B Mercury aircrew and maintainers, TACAMO community members, strategic communications professionals, and military test patch collectors.
VQ-3 & VQ-4 — Block II tested, nuclear link assured — the doomsday messengers keep evolving.
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.
