Official VMM-161 Greyhawks "The First" V-22 Shoulder Patch

Official VMM-161 Greyhawks "The First" V-22 Shoulder Patch — Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 Embroidered Patch

The First, The Best—VMM-161 Greyhawks, the world's first helicopter transport squadron, now flying the MV-22 Osprey and carrying the legacy of vertical envelopment into the tiltrotor era.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161), the "Greyhawks," holds the extraordinary distinction of being the first helicopter transport squadron in the world. Commissioned on 15 January 1951 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 (HMR-161) at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, the squadron deployed to Korea in August 1951 and became the first helicopter squadron to deploy troops into combat. During the Korean War, HMR-161 flew 16,538 hours during 18,607 sorties, moving over 60,000 troops and 7.5 million pounds of cargo—proving the concept of vertical envelopment that revolutionized military operations forever.

This "The First" V-22 shoulder patch celebrates VMM-161's identity as a pioneer squadron now operating the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. In December 2009, HMM-161 became the first West Coast squadron to transition from the CH-46E Sea Knight to the MV-22 Osprey, redesignating as VMM-161 and beginning a new chapter in the Greyhawks' legacy of aviation firsts. Operating under Marine Aircraft Group 16 at MCAS Miramar with the tail code "YR" and the motto "Equitatus Caeli"—Cavalry From the Sky—the Greyhawks carry the traditions of the world's first helicopter transport squadron into the tiltrotor era.

The Greyhawks served multiple tours in Vietnam, participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and during Operation Iraqi Freedom made 752 consecutive mission launches at Al Taqaddum, logging 3,072.8 flight hours. The squadron's third Iraq deployment saw 5,199 combat flight hours, transport of more than 2,100 wounded personnel, and 19 raids—accumulating a record-setting 58,000-plus Class A mishap-free flight hours. From the first troop lift in Korea to the Osprey missions of today, VMM-161 continues to lead.

Perfect For: VMM-161 Greyhawks members and veterans, HMR-161 Korean War pioneers, MV-22 Osprey community members, MAG-16 and 3rd MAW personnel, MCAS Miramar Marines, and aviation history enthusiasts.

The First, The Best—Equitatus Caeli—the Greyhawks of VMM-161, the world's first helicopter transport squadron, still leading the way in the tiltrotor age.