USMC VMR-252 Patch
Marine Transport Squadron 252 (VMR-252) — Historical Heritage Patch
This patch honors the heritage designation of VMR-252, the predecessor designation of today's VMGR-252 "Otis" — the oldest continuously active squadron in United States Marine Corps history. Originally formed on 1 June 1928 as Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California, the squadron underwent numerous redesignations including Utility Squadron 7M on 1 March 1929, Marine Utility Squadron 2 on 1 July 1937, and Marine Transport Squadron 252 (VMR-252) following World War II. In July 1946, VMR-252 was based at MCAS Miramar as part of Marine Aircraft Group 25 before relocating to MCAS El Toro on 14 October 1946.
As VMR-252, the squadron provided critical transport operations throughout the post-war era, supporting Marine Corps logistics across the Pacific and Atlantic. The squadron relocated to Cherry Point, North Carolina, and was reassigned through multiple Marine Aircraft Groups — MAG-21, MAG-11, MAG-35, and Marine Wing Support Group 27 — before settling under MAG-14 in 1977. In October 1961, the KC-130F Hercules became the squadron's primary aircraft, transforming the mission to aerial refueling and prompting redesignation to VMGR-252 on 1 February 1962.
This VMR-252 heritage patch represents the transport era of the squadron's storied history, when Marines flew cargo, personnel, and supplies across global theaters in support of Fleet Marine Force operations. The squadron has operated over 30 different aircraft types across its nearly century of continuous service.
Perfect For: VMGR-252 heritage collectors, Marine Corps aviation historians, VMR-252 era veterans, 2nd MAW personnel, MAG-14 Marines, Cherry Point station personnel, and transport aviation enthusiasts.
A tribute to the transport heritage of VMR-252 — the foundation years of the Marine Corps' oldest active squadron, carrying the fight forward since 1928.
