VMX-1 Immortals Patch
Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), United States Marine Corps
Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), the "Immortals," represents the Marine Corps' dedicated operational test squadron—the unit responsible for evaluating every new aircraft, weapons system, and aviation technology before it reaches the fleet. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, VMX-1 stands as the last hurdle before a weapon system is declared ready for combat, conducting rigorous testing focused on the effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of systems in realistic combat conditions.
The squadron traces its origins to August 2003, when Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) was activated at MCAS New River, North Carolina, with the primary mission of conducting initial operational testing of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. The Integrated Test Team accumulated more than 4,600 hours in the MV-22 during this critical phase. In 2009 and 2010, the squadron expanded its mission by adding the CH-53E Super Stallion and F-35B Lightning II to its test portfolio. By 2013, VMX-22 had further expanded to support Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aviation Command and Control testing, and in 2015 incorporated the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper.
In June 2015, the squadron relocated its headquarters to MCAS Yuma, strategically positioning itself adjacent to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) to create a symbiotic relationship between operational testing and advanced tactics development. On 13 May 2016, VMX-22 was redesignated as VMX-1, reflecting its broadened charter to conduct operational test and evaluation of all Marine Corps fixed-wing, tiltrotor, and rotary-wing aircraft. Today, VMX-1's inventory includes the MV-22B Osprey, CH-53K King Stallion, F-35B Lightning II, RQ-21B Blackjack, UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper, and K-MAX—more variety and depth of aircraft than any other squadron in the Marine Corps.
Perfect For: VMX-1 Immortals members and veterans, VMX-22 alumni, Marine Corps test pilots and flight test engineers, MCAS Yuma personnel, and enthusiasts of cutting-edge Marine Corps aviation technology and operational testing.
The Immortals of VMX-1—testing today what the fleet will fight with tomorrow, ensuring every Marine aircraft is combat-ready before it ever sees the battlefield.
