VMM-263 Thunder Chickens REIN 18.2 ACE Patch
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), the "Thunder Chickens," was activated on 16 June 1952 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 263 (HMR-263) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina and outfitted with Sikorsky HRS helicopters. The squadron's history spans seven decades of distinguished service, from disaster relief in Tampico, Mexico in 1955 to operations from the submarine USS Sealion in 1956, the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and Exercise Steel Pike off Spain in 1964—then the largest amphibious exercise since World War II.
HMM-263 served two tours in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970, participating in over 24 named combat operations. Squadron member Corporal Raymond M. Clausen Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on 31 January 1970. In June 1995, the squadron conducted the dramatic Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) rescue of downed Air Force pilot Captain Scott O'Grady in Bosnia, and was named Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year in 1996. During a nine-month deployment with the 24th MEU in 2002–2003, the Thunder Chickens flew an unprecedented 9,568 hours and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa and Operation Iraqi Freedom around Baghdad, Tikrit, and Al Kut.
On 3 March 2006, VMM-263 was redesignated as the United States Marine Corps' first operational MV-22B Osprey squadron. In September 2007, the Thunder Chickens deployed 10 Ospreys to Iraq aboard USS Wasp, becoming the first unit to take the MV-22 into combat. This "REIN 18.2 ACE" patch represents VMM-263 (Reinforced) serving as the Aviation Combat Element during a specific MEU deployment, continuing the squadron's tradition of leading Marine aviation into the future.
Perfect For: VMM-263 Thunder Chickens members and veterans, HMM-263 alumni, MV-22 Osprey pioneers, MAG-26 personnel, 2nd MAW service members, and Marine aviation history enthusiasts.
From the rescue of Captain Scott O'Grady to the first Osprey combat deployment—the Thunder Chickens of VMM-263 lead the way in Marine tiltrotor aviation.
