Officially Licensed HMX-1 Flightline Qual Patches — Qualified at the White House's Squadron
Because when your flightline includes the South Lawn, the standards are a little higher.
Marine Helicopter Squadron One — HMX-1, the Nighthawks — is the most famous helicopter squadron in the world, responsible for transporting the President and Vice President of the United States. Commissioned on December 1, 1947 at MCAF Quantico, Virginia, HMX-1 was originally established to test helicopter tactics for amphibious warfare. In 1957, President Eisenhower became the first president to travel by helicopter, and the rest is history. Today the Nighthawks operate the VH-3D Sea King, VH-60N White Hawk, the new VH-92A Patriot, and MV-22B Ospreys — the famous "White Tops" that land on the South Lawn. Every member must pass a Yankee White background check, and the squadron operates with a level of precision that makes perfection look casual. These flightline qual patches represent earning your place at the most elite rotary-wing squadron in the Corps.
Perfect For: HMX-1 Nighthawks maintainers and aircrew, MCAF Quantico Marines, presidential support personnel, and anyone who's qualified on the most scrutinized flightline in military aviation.
The President's ride doesn't maintain itself. These Marines make sure it doesn't have to.