Buy Officially Licensed USMC VMGR- Patch

Product Information

This is a 4" patch, with or without hook & loop.

Product Description

VMGR-252 Squadron Patch

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) — "Otis"

VMGR-252 holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously active squadron in the history of the United States Marine Corps, formed on 1 June 1928 as Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California. The squadron was redesignated multiple times over the following decade — to Utility Squadron 7M on 1 March 1929, to West Coast Expeditionary Force on 8 January 1934, and to Marine Utility Squadron 2 on 1 July 1937. Following World War II, the squadron relocated to Cherry Point, North Carolina, and in October 1961 received the KC-130F Hercules, transforming its primary mission to aerial refueling. On 1 February 1962, the squadron received its present designation as Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

VMGR-252 pioneered several firsts in Marine Corps aviation, including the first tanker drogue system refueling of a helicopter in December 1965 and the first night-vision-goggle landing in a Marine Corps KC-130 in May 1990. On 6 June 1964, a squadron aircraft reached above 44,000 feet to set a turboprop transport altitude record. During Operation Desert Storm, commencing 16 January 1991, the squadron deployed six aircraft as Detachment Alpha, providing over 10 million pounds of fuel to strike aircraft during 937 combat sorties. Throughout the 1990s, VMGR-252 supported operations across Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, Albania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Kosovo.

Following the September 11 attacks, VMGR-252 formed the backbone of logistical and assault support operations during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and supported the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In December 2002, the squadron began transitioning to the KC-130J Super Hercules. Today, VMGR-252 operates under Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, at MCAS Cherry Point, having flown over 30 different types of aircraft across its nearly century-long service history.

Perfect For: VMGR-252 squadron members, 2nd MAW personnel, MAG-14 Marines, KC-130 crew members, Cherry Point aviators, aerial refueling specialists, and Marine Corps aviation historians.

A tribute to the oldest continuously active squadron in the Marine Corps — nearly a century of aerial refueling excellence and expeditionary support worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right backing?

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.

What size is this item?

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.

Are these Officially Licensed?

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.

Do you offer bulk or reruns for units/squadrons?

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.

Can you make a custom patch / name tag / lanyard / apparel?

Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.