Official VMR-1 Pedro SAR MCAS Cherry Point Patch — Marine Transport Squadron 1 Search and Rescue Embroidered Patch Pedro answers the call — VMR-1's search and rescue legacy from Cherry Point. Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1) operated from MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, providing essential transport and search and rescue (SAR) services for the Marine Corps and the surrounding community. The "Pedro" callsign is one of the most revered in military aviation SAR culture — a universal identifier for search and rescue helicopter crews who fly into danger to save downed aviators, injured Marines, and civilians in distress. VMR-1's SAR detachment at Cherry Point was responsible for maintaining constant alert status, ready to launch at a moment's notice to recover personnel from land or sea. Flying the CH-46 Sea Knight in the SAR role, VMR-1's Pedro crews trained relentlessly in overwater hoisting, cliff rescues, nighttime recoveries, and medical evacuations. The sundown and sunset imagery associated with this patch evokes the dramatic conditions under which SAR crews often operate — launching into fading light and deteriorating weather to reach those in peril. VMR-1's legacy at Cherry Point represents the selfless commitment to the principle that no Marine, sailor, or aviator is ever left behind, regardless of the conditions or the risk. Perfect For: VMR-1 veterans, SAR crew members and rescue swimmers, CH-46 Sea Knight Phrog enthusiasts, MCAS Cherry Point alumni, and military patch collectors who honor the lifesaving mission of search and rescue aviation. Pedro is always ready — no one gets left behind.
