VMM-166 13th MEU Blackout/Green Patch — Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166, 13th MEU Aviation Combat Element Embroidered Patch
Blackout—VMM-166 Sea Elk in subdued green, representing the Aviation Combat Element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in low-visibility tactical configuration.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (VMM-166), the "Sea Elk," served as the core of the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, providing MV-22B Osprey assault support transport from the flight decks of amphibious assault ships during Western Pacific deployments. This blackout/green subdued patch represents the tactical, low-visibility version of the VMM-166/13th MEU ACE identity—designed for wear on flight suits, tactical gear, and deployment equipment where full-color patches would compromise the subdued aesthetic required in operational environments.
VMM-166 was activated on 13 September 1985 at MCAS Tustin, California, as the youngest CH-46 Sea Knight squadron in the Marine Corps. The Sea Elk built a distinguished combat record through Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Iraqi Freedom—including the Battle of Najaf—and humanitarian missions including 29 relief flights delivering over 54,165 pounds of supplies to victims of Tropical Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. On 23 June 2010, the squadron redesignated as VMM-166 upon transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey.
The 13th MEU, based at Camp Pendleton, is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units that serve as America's forward-deployed crisis response forces, capable of conducting amphibious assault, non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and the full range of military operations on short notice. VMM-166 (Reinforced) as the ACE provided the 13th MEU with tiltrotor assault support, while attached detachments from heavy helicopter, light attack, fighter attack, and unmanned aerial vehicle squadrons completed the aviation package. VMM-166 was decommissioned on 1 October 2021 as part of Force Design 2030.
Perfect For: VMM-166 Sea Elk members and veterans, 13th MEU ACE personnel, HMM-166 alumni, MAG-16 and 3rd MAW service members, subdued tactical patch collectors, and MEU deployment patch enthusiasts.
Blackout—the Sea Elk of VMM-166 in tactical green, carrying the 13th MEU's aviation might from ship to shore in the dead of night.
