Official VMM-263 Buff Thunderchicken Leather Patch — Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 Leather Patch The Buff Thunder Chicken — East Coast Osprey power, rendered in premium leather. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), the "Thunder Chickens," is one of the United States Marine Corps' premier MV-22B Osprey squadrons. Based at MCAS New River, North Carolina, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, VMM-263 has built a formidable reputation as one of the most frequently deployed and combat-tested tiltrotor units in the Marine Corps. The "Buff" Thunder Chicken variant of the squadron's insignia is a beloved alternate design that showcases the unit's irreverent humor and esprit de corps. This leather patch format pays homage to the classic A-2 flight jacket tradition, combining VMM-263's distinctive mascot with the rich texture and durability of genuine leather craftsmanship. The Thunder Chickens have deployed repeatedly as the Aviation Combat Element for II MEF's Marine Expeditionary Units, conducting combat operations, humanitarian assistance missions, and crisis response taskings across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. From the "Ready Ape" deployment nickname to the "Gopher Broke" morale slogan, VMM-263's culture reflects a squadron that works hard, flies harder, and never takes itself too seriously. Perfect For: VMM-263 veterans and active-duty Thunder Chickens, MV-22 Osprey crew members, 2nd MAW alumni, leather flight jacket collectors, and morale patch enthusiasts who appreciate the lighter side of Marine aviation. Buff, bold, and battle-tested — Thunder Chicken pride on leather.
