US Navy VP-4 Skinny Dragons Command Patches — Embroidered Patch
Maritime Patrol's Most Distinguished Squadron
The Skinny Dragons of VP-4 have been hunting submarines, tracking surface contacts, and gathering intelligence across the world's oceans since World War II. This command patch represents one of the most decorated and historic patrol squadrons in the United States Navy.
Established as Bombing Squadron 144 on July 1, 1943, at NAS Alameda, the squadron flew PV-1 Venturas and PV-2 Harpoons during WWII before transitioning through multiple aircraft to the P-2V Neptune, P-3 Orion, and finally the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. The squadron's famous "Skinny Dragons" nickname originated in 1965 at Iwakuni, Japan, when a local Officer's Club waitress remarked that the squadron's new black griffin logo looked more like a "skinny dragon" — and the name stuck. VP-4 became the first West Coast squadron to transition to the P-8A Poseidon in 2017, deploying from NAS Whidbey Island to Kadena, Japan, for its inaugural P-8 deployment. During Desert Storm, VP-4 flew 279 combat missions that resulted in the total destruction of the Iraqi Navy.
Perfect For:
VP-4 aircrew and maintainers past and present, P-8 Poseidon community members, P-3 Orion veterans, maritime patrol aviation enthusiasts, NAS Whidbey Island personnel, and anyone who appreciates the quiet professionals who own the ocean from above.
From Venturas to Poseidons — the Skinny Dragons keep hunting.
