USMC Helicopter Squadrons
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HMM-265 Dragons OD Green Patch
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265), the "Dragons," was activated on 30 September 1962 at Marine Corps Air Facility New River, North Carolina under Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. This olive drab (OD) green subdued variant of the Dragons' patch represents the tactical, field-ready version of the squadron insignia designed for wear in operational environments where reduced visual signature is essential.
The Dragons boast one of the most decorated combat records in Marine helicopter aviation. In June 1964, HMM-265 became the first Fleet Marine Force squadron to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight, and in April 1966 departed for Vietnam with 22 aircraft aboard USS Boxer. At Marble Mountain Air Facility under MAG-16, the squadron conducted daily heliborne assault, casualty evacuation, resupply, and reconnaissance missions in I Corps Tactical Zone. As the Special Landing Force helicopter squadron embarked aboard USS Tripoli and USS Iwo Jima in 1967, HMM-265 conducted five major operations including Kangaroo Kick and Operation Cochise. Throughout their 1966–1969 Vietnam tour, the Dragons lost 27 pilots, crew chiefs, and gunners to enemy fire.
Reactivated in 1977 at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, the Dragons deployed for Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990–1991 aboard USS Tripoli and USS Tarawa, then diverted to Bangladesh for Operation Sea Angel humanitarian relief. The squadron participated in Operation Desert Fox (1998), Operation Stabilise in East Timor (1999–2000), and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Al Asad Airbase in 2004–2005. Relocated to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa in 1995, HMM-265 transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey in 2012, redesignating as VMM-265, and was named Tiltrotor Squadron of the Year in both 2013 and 2023.
Perfect For: VMM-265 and HMM-265 Dragons members and veterans, MAG-36 personnel, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing service members, Futenma-based Marines, and tactical patch collectors seeking subdued squadron insignia.
The subdued mark of the Dragons—carrying forward a legacy of combat excellence from the jungles of Vietnam to the flight lines of Okinawa since 1962.
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.
