USMC Helicopter Squadrons
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USMC VMFP-3 Det B Mud Rhinos Patch
Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 Detachment B (VMFP-3 Det B) — "Mud Rhinos" — Team Spirit 1988
Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3), known as "The Eyes of the Corps," was the Marine Corps' sole tactical aerial reconnaissance squadron from its activation on 1 July 1975 until its deactivation on 1 July 1990. Operating the RF-4B Phantom II, VMFP-3 consolidated all Marine reconnaissance assets previously flown by VMCJ-1, VMCJ-2, and VMCJ-3 into a single specialized squadron based at MCAS El Toro, California, under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The "Mud Rhinos" identity was adopted by Detachment B during Exercise Team Spirit 1988, one of the largest joint/combined military exercises in the world at the time, conducted annually in South Korea. VMFP-3 routinely deployed detachments to support Fleet Marine Force operations across the Pacific and Western Pacific, including permanent deployment aboard USS Midway (CV-41) from 1975 to 1984 as part of Carrier Air Wing Five. These detachments provided aerial photographic, infrared, and side-looking airborne radar reconnaissance in support of III Marine Amphibious Force and 7th Fleet operations, including three Indian Ocean deployments during the Iranian hostage crisis.
The RF-4B flew alone and unarmed, relying on speed — exceeding Mach 2 — and crew skill to survive while obtaining critical tactical imagery. The Marine Corps acquired 46 RF-4Bs, and these aircraft served with distinction from Vietnam through the final years of the Cold War until being replaced by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System aboard F/A-18D Hornets in 1990.
Perfect For: VMFP-3 Eyes of the Corps veterans, RF-4B Phantom II reconnaissance professionals, Team Spirit exercise participants, MCAS El Toro and Iwakuni alumni, and Marine tactical reconnaissance historians.
The Mud Rhinos of VMFP-3 Det B — the Eyes of the Corps in Korea, flying alone, unarmed, and unafraid in the service of Marine reconnaissance.
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.
