USMC VMM-162 Golden Eagles 26.1 REIN Patch — Embroidered Patch
Golden Eagles — VMM-162 Takes the 26th MEU to Sea
This 26.1 REIN patch represents VMM-162 at its finest — reinforced, composite, and deployed as the Aviation Combat Element for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. When the Golden Eagles go REIN, they bring the full spectrum of Marine aviation firepower to the fight.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM-162), the Golden Eagles, is based at MCAS New River, North Carolina, under MAG-26 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Commissioned on 30 June 1951, VMM-162 is one of the oldest continuously serving aviation squadrons in the Marine Corps. The Golden Eagles made amphibious warfare history in 1952 during Operation Lex Baker I — the first large-scale ship-to-shore helicopter movement ever attempted. The squadron provided critical support during the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing aftermath, evacuated 226 Americans from war-torn Liberia during Operation Sharp Edge, and was the first Osprey squadron to fly a humanitarian mission when they were diverted to Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. VMM-162 was named Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron of the Year in 2023, and continues to serve as one of the premier Osprey squadrons in the Corps.
Perfect For:
VMM-162 aircrew and maintainers, 26th MEU veterans, MV-22 Osprey enthusiasts, MCAS New River Marines, MAG-26 personnel, 2nd MAW veterans, and anyone who flies with the Golden Eagles.
Golden Eagles — making aviation history since 1951.