USMC Helicopter Squadrons
$12.00
Only 32 items left in stock
Bulk Patch Pricing
Embroidered
Minimum order: 25
25-49: $6.00 each
50-99: $5.00 each
100-199: $4.00 each
200-299: $3.00 each
300+: $2.50 each
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Officially Licensed US Navy RVAH-1 Smokin' Tigers Squadron Patch — Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 1 RA-5C Vigilante Embroidered Patch
The Smokin' Tigers — the first RVAH squadron, flying the fastest recon jet ever to launch from a carrier.
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 1 (RVAH-1), the "Smokin' Tigers," was the first heavy reconnaissance attack squadron in the U.S. Navy, operating the North American RA-5C Vigilante — a Mach 2-capable carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft that remains the fastest and most sophisticated recon platform ever to operate from a flight deck. RVAH-1 conducted photo and electronic reconnaissance missions over the most heavily defended airspace in the world, including targets in North Vietnam during the Rolling Thunder and Linebacker campaigns.
The RA-5C Vigilante was originally designed as a supersonic nuclear bomber but was repurposed into the Navy's premier tactical reconnaissance platform, carrying an advanced integrated operational intelligence system that produced imagery and electronic intelligence in real time. RVAH-1's Smokin' Tigers flew at low altitude and high speed directly over enemy targets — Hanoi, Haiphong, and the rail lines to China — to bring back the photography that strike planners needed. The mission was extraordinarily dangerous, and the Vigilante community suffered heavy losses. RVAH-1 was disestablished following the retirement of the RA-5C.
Perfect For:
RVAH-1 Smokin' Tigers veterans, RA-5C Vigilante aircrew, carrier-based reconnaissance community members, Vietnam War naval aviation veterans, and US Navy reconnaissance squadron patch collectors.
Smokin' Tigers. First in recon. Fastest on the deck.
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.
