VMGR-252 Throwback Patch VJ-7M Utility 1928 Patch
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) – "Otis" – VJ-7M Throwback
VMGR-252 holds the extraordinary distinction of being the oldest continuously active squadron in the entire United States Marine Corps, with an unbroken lineage stretching back to 1 June 1928, when it was formed as Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California. Redesignated Utility Squadron 7M (VJ-7M) on 1 March 1929, the unit became part of the West Coast Expeditionary Force in 1934 and was redesignated Marine Utility Squadron 2 on 1 July 1937. This throwback patch celebrates that earliest era of the squadron's nearly century-long history, honoring the origins of what would become one of the Marine Corps' most vital and versatile aviation units.
The squadron saw extensive action during World War II, participating in the campaigns at Pearl Harbor, the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Redesignated Marine Transport Squadron 252 (VMR-252) in 1945, the unit relocated to MCAS Cherry Point after the war and received the KC-130 Hercules in October 1961, transforming its mission to aerial refueling. On 1 February 1962, it received its current designation as VMGR-252. The squadron achieved a historic first in December 1965 when its KC-130 was used to refuel a CH-3 helicopter—the first time a tanker drogue system was used to refuel a helicopter in flight. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, VMGR-252 flew troops into Cuba and evacuated American citizens. In Operation Desert Storm, a six-aircraft detachment provided over 10 million pounds of fuel to strike aircraft during 937 combat sorties. Known as "Otis" and stationed at MCAS Cherry Point as part of MAG-14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the squadron now flies the KC-130J Super Hercules, continuing to provide aerial refueling, assault transport, close air support, and multi-sensor reconnaissance for the Fleet Marine Force.
Perfect For: VMGR-252 veterans and active-duty "Otis" crew members, KC-130 Hercules community personnel, MAG-14 and 2nd MAW Marines, Marine Corps aviation history enthusiasts, and collectors honoring the Corps' oldest active squadron.
This throwback patch reaches back to 1928—celebrating nearly a century of continuous service from the Marine Corps' oldest squadron, a unit that has supported every major conflict since World War II.
