USAF JTF-STS / Space Shuttle Patch

USAF Joint Task Force - Space Shuttle Support / "Like Magic" Patch

There's not much info regarding this patch. This is all could gather, but I believe is related in some point to the Space Shuttle Rescue Support where some ARRS has to be involved, nevertheless, each shuttle launch had its own STS number and special patch. The patch usually had the name of the shuttle and/or the astronauts on it for each launch, so this is a patch for the guys doing support for the launch (most probably at a Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) site (perhaps Morrocco?). The design of this patch infers that it is the space shuttle Challenger?, but does not state the STS number or astronauts. 

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WANTED!: USAF Rescue Underwater Swimmers Patch

WANTED!: USAF Rescue Underwater Swimmers Patch

Circa 1964/67'

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USAF 7th SOS / Osprey Patch

USAF 7th Special Operations Squadron / Osprey Patch

The 7th Special Operations Squadron is an active flying unit of the United States Air Force. It is a component of the 752d Special Operations Group (752 SOG), United States Special Operations Command, and is currently based at Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall in Suffolk, UK. From their base at RAF Mildenhall, the 7th Special Operations Squadron is able to deploy or extract troops from hostile, sensitive, or otherwise undesirable locations.

The squadron flies the CV-22 Osprey. Their mission is to provide long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of non conventional special operation forces. The CV-22 is fitted with advanced electronic warfare systems, terrain following and avoidance radars, and navigation systems allowing them to operate under almost any adverse weather or time condition, to maximum efficiency.

The 7th SOS was reassigned to the 39th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Wing, on 1 February 1987 and to the 352d Special Operations Group, on 1 December 1992 relocating in the process to RAF Alconbury, England during the Cold War.

Its unconventional warfare capability has reaped the squadron nine AF Outstanding Unit Awards, the 1997 MacKay Trophy for the most meritorious USAF flight of the year, the 1998 William Tunner Award for the most outstanding airlift mission, and selection as AFSOC's Special Operations Squadron of the Year for 1998.

In 2013 the 7th SOS transitioned from the MC-130H to the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.

On 8 January 2015 the last MC-130H departed the 7 SOS returning to Hurlburt Field where they'll continue to fly and make an impact for special operations. The last MC-130H Combat Talon II departure from RAF Mildenhall marks the final step of Special Operations Command Europe's transition from the Talon II to the CV-22 Osprey.

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USAF 67th SOS / Night Owls OD Patch

USAF 67th Special Operations Squadron / Night Owls OD Patch

From their base at RAF Mildenhall, the 67th Special Operations Squadron's MC-130J Commando II flies single or multi-ship low-level air refueling missions for special operations helicopters, and infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland. The MC-130P primarily flies missions at low-altitude at night to reduce probability of visual acquisition and intercept by airborne threats.

The unit was constituted as the 67th Air Rescue Squadron on 17 October 1952. It was activated on 14 November 1952 at RAF Sculthorpe, England, and discontinued, and inactivated, on 18 March 1960 at Prestwick, Scotland. It was activated again on 10 May 1961, and organized on 18 June 1961 at Prestwick, Scotland. The unit was redesignated 67th Air Recovery Squadron on 1 August 1965, and then as the 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 8 January 1966.

It was transferred to Morón Air Base, Spain on 1 July 1966. On 15 January 1970, the 67th ARRS transferred to RAF Woodbridge, UK. The unit operated the Lockheed HC-130 fixed wing (also used as rotational support for their Detachment of H-3 helicopters stationed at Keflavik, Iceland) and Sikorsky MH-53 rotary wing aircraft.

On 1 June 1988 the unit was split into two units redesignated the 67th Special Operations Squadron for the HC-130 aircraft and the 21st Special Operations Squadron for the HH-53 rotary wing. On 1 April 1992 they moved to RAF Alconbury, UK. They are still active as the 67th SOS and have flown the HC-130 since 1965 (designated the MC-130P since 1996). It is currently stationed at RAF Mildenhall, UK.

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USAF 67th ARRS / Jolly Green Patch

USAF 67th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron / RAF Mildenhall / Jolly Green Patch

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USAF 308th RQS / Patrick AFB / Challenge Coin

USAF 308th Rescue Squadron / Patrick AFB / Combat Top 3 Challenge Coin

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USAF 321st STS / Subdued Patch

USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Subdued Patch

321st Special Tactics Squadron (321st STS) provides a fast reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air to ground interface during special operations or conventional missions. Unit combat controllers and pararescue men conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications. Additionally, the unit provides combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery, and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other special operations forces.

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USAF 321st STS / Silver Team / OD Patch Set

USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Silver Team / OD Patch Set

VERY RARE!

321st Special Tactics Squadron (321st STS) provides a fast reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air to ground interface during special operations or conventional missions. Unit combat controllers and pararescue men conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications. Additionally, the unit provides combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery, and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other special operations forces.

Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The divided disc denotes day and night and suggests the “round-the-clock” capabilities of the squadron. The lightning bold represents the air-ground interface provided by the unit personnel and indicates their rapid response to duty. The dagger and parachute symbolise the primary means of combat infiltrations as performed by squadron personnel. The globe indicates the squadron’s ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, under any conditions

It is believed that the 321st Special Tactics Squadron is made up of three teams with differing roles:

Silver Steam: provides the PJs and CROs that fly with the 56th RQS

Brown Team: provides most combat controllers, air traffic controllers, etc.

Blue Team: conduct waterborne ops. 

All probable crossover to some extent.

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USAF 321st STS / Brown Team / Green Feet Patch

USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Brown Team / "It's all about the hustle" / Green Feet Patch

A VERY rare version of the original patch, featuring the green feet and lightning bolt.

321st Special Tactics Squadron (321st STS) provides a fast reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air to ground interface during special operations or conventional missions. Unit combat controllers and pararescue men conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications. Additionally, the unit provides combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery, and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other special operations forces.

It is believed that the 321st Special Tactics Squadron is made up of three teams with differing roles:

Silver Steam: provides the PJs and CROs that fly with the 56th RQS

Brown Team: provides most combat controllers, air traffic controllers, etc.

Blue Team: conduct waterborne ops.

All probable crossover to some extent.

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USAF 321st STS / Blue Team / Crusader Patch Set

USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Blue Team Boat / Crusader Patch Set

EXTREMELY RARE! This is the complete patch set from the Blue Team

321st Special Tactics Squadron (321st STS) provides a fast reaction, rapidly-deployable force capable of establishing and providing positive control of the air to ground interface during special operations or conventional missions. Unit combat controllers and pararescue men conduct the reconnaissance, surveillance, assessment and establishment of assault zone sites and provide air traffic control and long-range secure command and control communications. Additionally, the unit provides combat trauma medical care, personnel recovery, and terminal attack control of munitions delivered by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron also has special operations weathermen assigned to provide weather support for other special operations forces.

Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The divided disc denotes day and night and suggests the “round-the-clock” capabilities of the squadron. The lightning bold represents the air-ground interface provided by the unit personnel and indicates their rapid response to duty. The dagger and parachute symbolise the primary means of combat infiltrations as performed by squadron personnel. The globe indicates the squadron’s ability to deploy anywhere, anytime, under any conditions

The Blue Team patch is a unit at RAF Mildenhall, UK This patch set was made for the 321st Special Tactics Squadron Blue Team. The "BTB" on the patch stands for either "Blue Team Boat" or "Burn The Boat". Although based at nearby RAF Mildenhall as part of the 352d Special Operations Group, the 321st Special Tactics Squadron fulfills various roles including providing Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) to operate alongside the 56th Rescue Squadron's and their HH-60G Pavehawks.

It is believed that the 321st Special Tactics Squadron is made up of three teams with differing roles:

Silver Steam: provides the PJs and CROs that fly with the 56th RQS

Brown Team: provides most combat controllers, air traffic controllers, etc.

Blue Team: conduct waterborne ops. 

All probable crossover to some extent.

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WANTED!: USAF 321st STS / Blue Team / Extremist Hunters Patch

WANTED!: USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Blue Team / Extremist Hunters Patch

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USAF 71st ARRS / Dumbo Patch

USAF 71st Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron / "Dumbo" Patch

Extremely rare! Circa 1968

This patch from the 71st ARRS came way back when the squadron was formed in the early 60's and was designed by Walt Disney. The 71st was first activated in November 1952 when Air Rescue Service expanded its existing air rescue squadrons to groups and expanded their flights to separate squadrons. It flew search, rescue and recovery missions out of Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1952–1960 and 1970-1991. It has flown aerial refueling missions for search and rescue operations since 1991.

Also history of 71st ARRS, Elmendorf tends to overlook the rescue helicopters were actually the 5040th Helicopter Squadron (1969-1971). 13 new Sikorsky HH-3E helicopters replaced H-21s flown by the 5050th starting in May 1970. In 1975 the 5040th was deactivated and the H-3s were transferred to the 71st ARRS. It was this action that made the 71st a composite rescue squadron (operated both fixed and rotary wing aircraft). Its 71st. The ski's and snow refer to the snow in Alaska where the unit was formed. Dumbo refers to the Callsign used by Catalina's (WWII) and I think also the HU-16's in Korea that were used for rescue. The 71st uses a variant of this patch as one of their friday patches.

Original Walt Disney design

Lineage:

• Constituted as the 71st Air Rescue Squadron on 17 October 1952 / Activated on 14 November 1952. Discontinued and inactivated on 18 March 1960.
• Redesignated 71st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 25 November 1969 / Activated on 8 March 1970.
• Redesignated 71st Air Rescue Squadron on 1 June 1989 / Inactivated on 1 June 1991.

About the "Dumbo" skis: 

Due to the fact that the marginal zone of the Greenland Ice Cap blocked surface transportation, the obvious way to build and resupply DEW line DYE sites was airlift. The concept had been proved during Project Snowman and other expeditions and later been re-affirmed on a practical basis in the resupply of N-33 and N-34. However, because the planned construction of the two DYE sites on the Greenland Ice Cap would involve airlift of material and equipment which was beyond the capability of the ski-wheel aircraft then in the Air Force inventory, an aircraft with a larger cargo capability and longer range was required. Fortunately, the means were available. During 1957, the Air Force conducted extensive testing of a ski-wheel configured C-130A (55-0021) which could be operated from both conventional runways and snow or ice covered surfaces. The tests proved the Lockheed manufactured aircraft could successfully do what had already been done by other ski-wheeled aircraft. 

Although the C-123J was an improvement over the C-47, it still lacked the necessary range and load capacity required for the Greenland Ice Cap. A larger aircraft was needed. This led to the modification of C-130A, 55-0021, in 1956. The aircraft made its first flight in January 1957 from Dobbins AFB, near the Lockheed-Georgia plant at Marietta, Georgia. (53) It was later tested extensively by a joint Air Force-Lockheed team at Bemidji during Project Slide (snow, land, ice, development).

Ski equipped LC-130D of the 71st ARRS

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USAF / East Africa - Air Pirate Patch

USAF / East Africa (Yankee) Air Pirate Patch

The famous Yankee Air Pirate flag used by both pilots and PJ's since the early days of the South East Asia conflicts, this one was used by rescue pilots and PJ's from the 39th RQS, 303rd ERQS and 79th ERQS in Djibouti. Circa 2001/3.

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ARINC HH-60 / Jolly Green / Flight Test Patch

ARINC HH-60 / Jolly Green / Flight Test Patch

This is a rare set Circa 2000's

ARINC's Flight Operations service can keep the fleet in top shape, no matter where in the world it's located. Their expert team will come in-site, thoroughly test the aircraft, and free up the personnel to perform real-world missions.

ARINC's flight operations services include functional check flights, operational check flights, acceptance test profiles, and other flights that support U.S. Department of Defense operations. Their experienced crews conduct ferry flights and perform pre-induction checks on aircraft undergoing modifications. Their mobile flight crews can also accompany the squadron to other locations. ARINC's flight operations specifications fully meet the strict guidelines of AFI 10-220V1, Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations.

ARINC began performing flight operations services in 1991 in support of the MH-53J Service Life Extension Program. Today, they support MH-53 operations at Hurlburt Field, Florida; H-60 operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Okinawa, Japan; and Coast Guard C-130 operations at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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USAF 106th RQW Patch

USAF 106th Rescue Wing Patch

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News: We reached an important milestone!

I want to personally thank all our visitors who have visited our Blog and have relied on it as a source of historical information about this passion by having the world's most complete USAF Rescue collection ever achieved and perhaps one of the most complete and detailed USAF collection on the internet. Also, thank for the support in the broadcast of the USAF Rescue work of these brave men that every day risks their lives for the sole purpose ¨...so that others may live¨, and thank you to all the amazing fellow PJ's, CCT's, Airmen in general and other collectors around the world who helped to get this collection as complete as possible.

In numbers, after 12 years of collecting and 7 years since we put up this Blog, today we both have reached over 276.000+ visits and more than 1100+ items between patches and challenge coins displayed in the collection. We're about just close to 11% to finish this collection. Now, most of the hardest to find or extremely expensive patches are our target for the next years to come and won't stop until we can certify that this is, without doubt, a "Definitive complete collection".

To all our readers, THANK YOU!

HooYah!

FGR

USAF 33rd RQS / Kermit The Frog / Jolly Green Patch

USAF 33rd Rescue Squadron / Kermit The Frog / Jolly Green Patch

Computer made by Tiger Embroidery, Okinawa, Japan.

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USAF / Yankee - Air Pirate Patch

USAF / Yankee - Air Pirate Patch 

The famous Air Pirate flag used by both pilots and PJ's since the early days of the South East Asia conflicts. Made in Afghanistan Circa 2013/5.

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USAF 56th RQS Patch

USAF 56th Rescue Squadron / "Friends in low places" Patch

I'm not sure if this is from the Keflavik NAS era in the late 80's, or actually from RAF Lakenheath from late 90's but it's handmade and it looks pretty much like an Afghanistan made patch which its confusing. Ideas?

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USAF 56th RQS / Jolly Green Crest Patch

USAF 56th Rescue Squadron / Jolly Green Crest Patch

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USAF 129th RQS / Pararescue Team Patch

USAF 129th Rescue Squadron / Pararescue Team / West Side Patch

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USAF 56/57th RQS/ERQS Patch Set

USAF 57th Rescue Squadron "Honor and Bravery" / 57th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron "Guardian Angel" / 56th RQS "Double Tap" Morale Patch Set.

 From RAF Lakenheath, Circa 2015/16'. The Double Tap Pen Pocket patch was worn by 56th RQS during the exercise "Joint Warrior". (PJ image was taken during exercise)

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Special Operations Memorial Foundation / Donor Challenge Coin

Special Operations Memorial Foundation / Donor Challenge Coin

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USAF 321st STS / Silver Team Multicam Patch

USAF 321st Special Tactics Squadron / Silver Team Multicam Patch

This is an authentic Silver Team Patch from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron. The patch was made in 2008 by the team and replaced by a new team patch in 2012. The replacement patch was a black rectangle with silver dragon and green letter "Silver Team". In the full color version, the maroon represents the maroon beret worn by the PJ's, the silver represents the silver team and the grey beret worn by a few SOWT team members. The green feet in the patch are historical to the Pararescue career field and the dagger/lighting bolt represent Special Tactics and our CCT bros. This patch is not made anymore, pretty hard to find.

The 321st Special Tactics Squadron is an active ground unit, within the 352d Special Operations Group (352 SOG), United States Air Force, United States European Command, and is based at Royal Air Forcestation, RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, eastern England. This squadron, combined with the airborne units in the 352d Special Operations Group allow the group to be capable of handling situations within a 4,300 km (2,700 mi) range of RAF Mildenhall, or further with fuel stops, and make up the special operations forces element of the United States Air Forces in Europe. Their specialized training, and support structure, make them a very versatile unit within the armed forces.

The 321st Special Tactics Squadron are the front line troops of the 352 SOG, and are the most versatile and highly trained airmen in the United States Air Force. The 321st Special Tactics Squadron fulfills various roles including providing Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) to operate alongside the 56th Rescue Squadron and their HH-60G Pavehawks. Their duties also include Combat Control (CCT), they perform close in reconnaissance and investigation of possible landing sites, quickly securing/identifying/neutralizing ground targets, as well as reinforcement or extraction of troops under extreme circumstances, and medical evacuations.

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USAF / AFSOC / CSAR Kings - Jolly Greens Patch

USAF / Air Force Special Operations Command / Combat Search & Rescue / Kings - Jolly Greens Patch

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USAF 48th RQS / Pararescue 60th Anniversary Challenge Coin

USAF 48th Rescue Squadron / Pararescue 60th Anniversary / 1947-2007 Challenge Coin

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