129th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Moffett Federal Airfield
Full colour
1980's
This patch is a common one worn during the 1980's.
The 129th was a Special Operations Group prior to being a rescue unit, & when it was announced it was to close as a SOG unit, the Wings commanders lobbied the ANG Bureau in Washington to keep it active. They succeeded & the mission conversion began in 1975 after training with other rescue units across the country. They were to get six HH-3E Jolly Green Giants & four HC-130 King aircraft and to date have saved over 1000 lives. They operate from a huge variety of locations, from the Sierra Mountains, out into the Pacific, Yosemite National Park & the deserts of Nevada.
The first rescue came for the unit while at their first Red Flag exercise at Nellis AFB.
Partly embroidered on twill with a gauze/cheesecloth backing, a merrowed edge with a lose pigtail & the Giant in Dexter.
129th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Moffett Federal Airfield
Full colour
c.1970
This patch is an early version of an ARRS patch from the California Air National Guard. Manufactured in Japan, & partly embroidered on twill with a selvedge cut edge and the Giant in Dexter.
A video showing the HC-130 & HH-3E's demonstrating the airman skills needed to be part of the 129th ARRS.
129th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Moffett Federal Airfield
Black Colour
1977
I'm not sure why the 129th produced this black patch but it makes a nice addition. Squadron operated HC-130's from 1975 until 2003, HH-3E's from 1975 until 1991, & the HH-60 replaced the HH-3 in 1991. This patch dates back to 1970's plus whoever had it before me put a sticker on with 1977 date on it, making it one of the first patches the Squadron had made.
Partly embroidered on twill with a gauze/cheesecloth backing, a merrowed edge with a glued pigtail & the giant in Dexter.
A HC-130 sits waiting for its crew for a training mission in California.
(US National Archives)
If you have any additional information about this patch please contact me & I´ll get back to you.
Thanks👣
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