{"product_id":"official-mwss-473-crash-fire-rescue-patch","title":"Official MWSS-473 Crash Fire Rescue Gargoyle Patch","description":"\u003cp\u003eOfficial MWSS-473 Crash Fire Rescue Gargoyle Patch - Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 Gargoyles Crash Fire Rescue Section Officially Licensed Embroidered Patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGargoyles on the ground, first on scene, keeping the flight line safe so Marine aviation never stops flying.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarine Wing Support Squadron 473 is a reserve aviation ground support unit headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, operating under Marine Aircraft Group 41 and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, with detachments at Naval Air Station Lemoore and Naval Air Station Fort Worth. The squadron's mission is to provide all essential aviation ground support to fixed-wing and rotary-wing components of an Aviation Combat Element, and that mission includes one of the most demanding specialties on any flight line: crash fire rescue. MWSS Crash Fire Rescue Marines stand ready to respond to aircraft emergencies, conduct structural firefighting, and perform aircraft rescue operations at expeditionary airfields where no permanent fire department exists. MWSS-473 proved that readiness in combat, completing an eight-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005, where the unit fueled and loaded helicopters at forward bases across the eastern part of the country and participated in humanitarian aid missions throughout the region. The Gargoyle identity ties the unit's watchful, protective role directly to the patch design, making this embroidered piece a meaningful marker of the ground-side discipline that keeps Marine aviation operational in any environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect For: MWSS-473 Gargoyles veterans, Marine Corps Crash Fire Rescue specialists, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing collectors, Marine Aircraft Group 41 alumni, reserve aviation ground support Marines, Afghanistan deployment keepsakes, airfield operations memorabilia, shadow boxes, challenge coin and patch display boards, reunion gifts, and family members honoring the Marines who protect the flight line from the ground up. It also suits collectors building unit-history displays around reserve Marine aviation, expeditionary airfield operations, or the broader story of aviation ground support across the Marine Corps.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGargoyles heritage, stitched for the Marines who guard the flight line and answer the call first.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military, Law Enforcement and Custom Patches by USMCinsignia.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45264146071661,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0742\/9831\/files\/4Patch_23_798a281d-97ff-4170-b100-64ffc3a45297.png?v=1780331312","url":"https:\/\/marinepatches.com\/products\/official-mwss-473-crash-fire-rescue-patch","provider":"MarinePatches.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}