VMGR-252 90th Anniversary Shoulder Patch
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) — "Otis" — 90th Anniversary (1928–2018)
This shoulder patch commemorates the 90th anniversary of VMGR-252, the oldest continuously active squadron in the United States Marine Corps. Formed on 1 June 1928 as Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California, the squadron has served without interruption through nine decades of Marine Corps aviation history. Redesignated numerous times — including Utility Squadron 7M on 1 March 1929, Marine Utility Squadron 2 on 1 July 1937, and receiving its current VMGR-252 designation on 1 February 1962 — the squadron has adapted to every era of military aviation.
Across its 90-year history, VMGR-252 has flown over 30 different types of aircraft and achieved numerous firsts in Marine aviation, including the first helicopter aerial refueling using a tanker drogue system in December 1965 and the first NVG landing in a Marine KC-130 in May 1990. During Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, the squadron delivered over 10 million pounds of fuel across 937 combat sorties. Following the September 11 attacks, VMGR-252 deployed continuously in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, with approximately 30 percent of the squadron forward-deployed at any given time.
In December 2002, VMGR-252 began transitioning to the KC-130J Super Hercules, simultaneously supporting three Marine Expeditionary Units with legacy R-model aircraft while absorbing the new platform. Stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, under Marine Aircraft Group 14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the squadron continues its global mission of aerial refueling, assault support, and expeditionary logistics.
Perfect For: VMGR-252 squadron members past and present, 90th anniversary collectors, 2nd MAW personnel, MAG-14 Marines, KC-130 aircrew, Cherry Point aviators, and Marine Corps aviation history enthusiasts.
Celebrating nine decades of unbroken service — VMGR-252, the Marine Corps' oldest active squadron, delivering fuel, firepower support, and logistics excellence since 1928.
