This patch is the white version and shows a “ribbon” with the squadron mascot emblazoned in the center. Along the top, there are 3 names listed (looks like crewmembers) memorializing them. Aircraft 543 was on a routine AMCM (Airborne Mine Countermeasures) training flight off the coast of Virginia on January 8th 2014. The aircraft crashed into the water and another of our squadron aircraft responded as on scene commander, and coordinated the rescue effort. This was the last mishap for the MH-53E community in a string of 4 mishaps that started in the summer of 2012. There were 4 people onboard this flight and only one survived. Thank God there have not been any losses of aircraft or crew since this mishap over 10 years ago. As you are aware HM-14 was decommissioned last summer, and our sister squadron (HM-15) and our training squadron (HM-12) are due to be decommissioned by FY 2027. This patch does not have velcro attached.
