Official VMFA(AW)-533 Hawks Shoulder Patches — All Weather, All Threats
Because the Hawks flew Hornets into the worst weather and came back with results.
VMFA(AW)-533, the Hawks, was a Marine all-weather fighter attack squadron that flew the F/A-18D Hornet — the two-seat variant that gave Marines a day/night, all-weather strike and fighter capability. The Hawks conducted deep air support, close air support, and tactical air coordination missions, operating as the Marine Corps' forward air controller airborne platform. The "AW" designation meant the Hawks specialized in operating when other squadrons couldn't — in marginal weather, at night, and in conditions that demanded a crew of two to manage the workload. These shoulder patches feature the F-18 Hornet and carry the Hawks insignia that was worn on flight suits across multiple deployments.
Perfect For: VMFA(AW)-533 Hawks Marines past and present, F/A-18D Hornet community members, Marine all-weather attack aviation veterans, and anyone who flew or maintained the two-seat Hornet.
All weather. All night. Hawks strike.