VMGR-152 Sumos Memorial Patch — Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 6 December 2018 Memorial Embroidered Patch
Sumo 41 — we remember the five.
This VMGR-152 "Sumos" memorial patch honors the five Marines lost on December 6, 2018, when their KC-130J Hercules, callsign "Sumo 41," was involved in a mid-air collision with an F/A-18D Hornet off the coast of Japan during aerial refueling training. The loss of five Sumo crew members was one of the most devastating aviation accidents in recent Marine Corps history, and this patch ensures their sacrifice is never forgotten.
VMGR-152 Sumos is a forward-deployed KC-130J Hercules aerial refueler transport squadron based at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The KC-130J provides critical aerial refueling and tactical transport capability to Marine forces throughout the Western Pacific. The December 6 collision occurred during a routine night aerial refueling training mission, a high-risk evolution that Marine aviation crews practice regularly to maintain combat readiness. Memorial patches are among the most meaningful items in military aviation, worn by squadron members and the broader Marine aviation community to honor fallen comrades and remind everyone of the inherent risks of military flying.
This memorial patch honors the five Sumo crew members lost that night.
Perfect For: VMGR-152 Sumos personnel, families of the fallen, Marine aerial refueling community members, and military aviation memorial collectors.
Sumo 41 — Five heroes, forever honored.