USMC Helicopter Squadrons
$12.00
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Embroidered
Minimum order: 25
25-49: $6.00 each
50-99: $5.00 each
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Officially Licensed US Navy VAW-78 Fighting Escargots Patch — Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 78 E-2 Hawkeye Embroidered Patch
Fighting Escargots — slow, steady, and seeing everything.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 78 (VAW-78) "Fighting Escargots" was a United States Navy Reserve airborne early warning squadron that operated the E-2 Hawkeye. The "Fighting Escargots" (fighting snails) nickname is one of the most distinctive and humorous in naval aviation, embracing the E-2's reputation as one of the slower aircraft on the carrier flight deck while celebrating the squadron's outsized contribution to fleet air defense.
VAW-78's Reserve Hawkeye crews maintained proficiency in the complex art of airborne early warning and control, managing the aerial battlespace by detecting and tracking aircraft, ships, and missiles at extended ranges. The E-2 Hawkeye's massive rotodome radar makes it one of the most recognizable aircraft in military aviation, and its crews provide the tactical picture that allows carrier strike group commanders to make informed decisions. The "Escargot" name was a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment that while the turboprop Hawkeye may not be the fastest aircraft on the flight deck, its contribution to the fight is arguably the most important — because you can't fight what you can't see.
This patch celebrates one of the most memorably named squadrons in the Navy.
Perfect For: VAW-78 Fighting Escargots veterans, E-2 Hawkeye Reserve crews, humorous squadron name collectors, and AEW community enthusiasts.
Fighting Escargots see all — VAW-78.
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.
