Officially Licensed HMLA-469 Vengeance Leather Squadron Patches — Born from September 11, Forged in Combat
Every helicopter in this squadron carried the tailcode SE — for September Eleventh.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, callsign "Vengeance," was activated on June 30, 2009, at MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, as part of the Commandant's plan to grow the force during the height of the Global War on Terror. Assigned to MAG-39 under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the squadron operated AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters with approximately 350 Marines on strength. The unit's name and insignia were directly inspired by the national response to the September 11 attacks — each aircraft bore the tailcode "SE" on its tail boom as a permanent tribute to the lives lost that day. The squadron patch features a scarlet and black winged warrior holding a sword and shield, symbolizing the Marine Corps as an instrument of defense and just retribution. HMLA-469 deployed multiple times with Marine Expeditionary Units and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In September 2012, when 15 heavily armed insurgents attacked Camp Bastion in Helmand Province and targeted the flight line, HMLA-469 Marines armed and launched aircraft and defended the squadron compound without suffering a single casualty or losing an aircraft. The squadron also answered the call for humanitarian missions, providing disaster relief in Nepal in 2015 during Operation Sahayogi Haat after devastating earthquakes. HMLA-469 was deactivated on December 16, 2022, as part of the Force Design 2030 initiative after 13 years of combat-ready service. This leather patch preserves the legacy of a squadron that was born from a nation's resolve and never stopped flying with purpose.
Perfect For: HMLA-469 Vengeance veterans, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom pilots and crew, MAG-39 and 3rd MAW Marines, Camp Pendleton personnel, and anyone who served with Vengeance during the War on Terror.
Once Vengeance — always Vengeance.
