Officially Licensed US Navy VX-9 Vampires Detachment Nellis squadron leather patch.
Vampires at Nellis — Navy ops on USAF F-35As, joint testing in the high desert.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9), the "Vampires," is the U.S. Navy's premier weapons test and evaluation squadron, headquartered at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, California, with detachments at Edwards Air Force Base (Det Edwards) and at Nellis Air Force Base (Det Nellis). VX-9's mission is to support the National Military Strategy by providing new warfighting capability to the fleet through testing aircraft, weapons, and weapon systems in operationally relevant environments and developing advanced warfighting tactics for fleet operators. Det Edwards flies and tests the F-35C Lightning II — the Navy's carrier-capable variant — and has been part of the F-35 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation as the JSF Operational Test Team since 2017. Det Nellis represents a newer chapter: VX-9 began operating Air Force F-35A aircraft loaned from the USAF's 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis AFB, allowing Navy personnel to conduct comprehensive F-35 testing across variants — focusing on stealth performance, sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and weapons integration. This leather patch carries the Vampires Det Nellis design in premium leather format. Hat-ready, shadow-box ready, badge-ready.
Perfect For: VX-9 Vampires active-duty and veteran personnel, Det Nellis test pilots and engineers, F-35A/C Lightning II test community members, NAWS China Lake / Edwards AFB / Nellis AFB tenants, joint Navy / Air Force F-35 operational test community, naval aviation weapons testing enthusiasts, and leather hat patch collectors.
VX-9 Vampires Det Nellis — Navy on USAF F-35As, leather on the hat.
