{"product_id":"official-vmm-264-black-knights-coins","title":"Official VMM-264 Black Knights Coins","description":"\u003cp\u003eOfficial VMM-264 Black Knights Coins - Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (VMM-264) Black Knights MV-22B Osprey Unit Challenge Coin, MCAS New River, North Carolina.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack Knights identity, east coast assault support legacy, and six decades of Marine aviation heritage cast into a single collectible coin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVMM-264 traces its lineage to 30 June 1959, when the Black Knights were first activated at MCAS New River as a helicopter transportation squadron. Through multiple redesignations and aircraft transitions spanning the UH-34, CH-46 Sea Knight, and finally the MV-22B Osprey, the squadron built a reputation as one of the Marine Corps' most operationally seasoned tiltrotor units. The Black Knights served as the aviation combat element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flew casevac and assault support missions in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and contributed to Operation Enduring Freedom deployments in Afghanistan. After transitioning to the Osprey in 2009 as the last east coast CH-46 squadron to make the switch, VMM-264 played a central role in maturing the MV-22 platform into the Corps' premier assault support aircraft. Deactivated in 2020 as part of Force Design initiatives, the squadron was reactivated in December 2025 to meet a growing II Marine Expeditionary Force requirement for additional east coast tiltrotor capacity. Operating under Marine Aircraft Group 26 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Black Knights continue to provide assault support, troop transport, logistics, and casualty evacuation across the full range of amphibious and expeditionary missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect For: VMM-264 veterans and active-duty Marines, MV-22 Osprey aircrew and maintainers, Black Knights alumni from any era, MAG-26 and 2nd MAW collectors, MCAS New River community members, Marine Expeditionary Unit supporters, challenge coin display boards, shadow boxes, reunion gifts, and anyone building a serious Marine aviation collection anchored in east coast tiltrotor heritage. It is equally meaningful for families and supporters who want a tangible tribute to the crews who kept the Black Knights flying through decades of deployments, transitions, and reactivations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack Knights heritage, minted for the crews, the families, and the collections that keep the legacy airborne.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military, Law Enforcement and Custom Patches by USMCinsignia.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45758074421357,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0742\/9831\/files\/miniPatch_8_c192c6ff-7b72-4ddf-ac75-c776b2087047.png?v=1788284714","url":"https:\/\/marinepatches.com\/products\/official-vmm-264-black-knights-coins","provider":"MarinePatches.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}