VMGR-252 Otis Flightline Qualification Patches Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) — "Otis" — Flightline Qualification These flightline qualification patches represent the earned credentials of Marines who have completed the rigorous training and demonstrated the proficiency required to work on the flight line with VMGR-252 "Otis," the oldest continuously active squadron in the United States Marine Corps. Formed on 1 June 1928 as Headquarters Detachment 7M in San Diego, California, the squadron has maintained unbroken service for nearly a century, operating the KC-130J Super Hercules from MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. Flightline-qualified Marines in VMGR-252 maintain and operate one of the Marine Corps' most versatile and demanding aircraft platforms. The KC-130J supports aerial refueling of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, assault transport of personnel and equipment, aerial delivery of supplies, battlefield illumination, and aerial medical evacuation. During Operation Desert Storm, VMGR-252 delivered over 10 million pounds of fuel across 937 combat sorties. The squadron has deployed continuously since the September 11 attacks, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with approximately 30 percent of the squadron forward-deployed at any given time. Operating under Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, VMGR-252 continues to provide critical aerial refueling and transport capabilities across every theater of operations. The squadron has flown over 30 different aircraft types and achieved numerous firsts in Marine aviation, including the first helicopter aerial refueling using a tanker drogue system in December 1965. Perfect For: VMGR-252 flightline-qualified personnel, KC-130J maintainers and crew chiefs, plane captains, MAG-14 Marines, 2nd MAW aviation maintenance professionals, and Cherry Point station personnel. A tribute to the flightline warriors of Otis — maintaining the Marine Corps' oldest squadron's legacy of aerial refueling excellence one sortie at a time.
