64th (Expeditionary) Rescue Squadron
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM/NEW DAWN
Balad AB, Iraq
Desert Subdued Colours
c.2003
This patch dates back to 2003 & was an early rotation patch worn by crews when they were at Balad AB, Iraq.
Partly embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge, backed with hook & loop with the Giant in Dexter.
64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM/NEW DAWN
Balad AB, Iraq
Desert Subdued Colours
c.2010
This is the third version of the 64th ERQS patch, and has brown lettering (the others being black) & is a version made c.2010.
Fully embroidered with a merrowed edge, backed with hook & loop with the Giant in Dexter.
64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM/NEW DAWN
Balad AB, Iraq
Desert Subdued Colours
c.2010
This patch is definitely part of the Jolly Green Giant heritage, as its a theatre made patch from when the US forces were in Iraq. I'm not certain where it was exactly made but I was told it was off a serviceman who was serving in Iraq, which ties up as that's where the Squadron was based. By the rough looking embroidery I'd say theatre made within a local patch or tailor shop, selvedge edge on twill with the Giant in Dexter. This is one of two that I received, the other being a multicam version (see below). Because of this, it could be unusual as the only other versions made on multicam twill that I've seen made were ones made by an individual member of the squadron wanting something unique & different, so there may be just a couple made, I doubt there are many.
The Squadron was based at Balad AB between 2003-2013, Erbil in 2015 & Diyarbakir in 2016, so suspect this patch was made when based in Balad as it was there the longest, but this is just an educated guess. Its often referred to as a "Rainbow" unit as all of the personnel were from different USAF Squadron from around the globe. Backed with hook & loop.
64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM/NEW DAWN
Balad AB, Iraq
Multi cam Colour
c.2010
This is the second of a pair that I was lucky to find, this being a multi-cam version of the patch.
64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Operation INHERENT RESOLVE
Erbil AB, Iraq
Desert Subdued Colour
c.2012
(USAF Photo)
This unit was formed during 2003 at Balad AB, Iraq & grew, making it the largest CSAR units formed since Vietnam. The mission started to draw down in July 2012 & the picture above shows a crewman from the 66th RQS returning to Nellis after a deployment wearing one. The Squadron was awarded many Air Force level awards, saved numerous lives, & many of the crews assigned were awarded DFC's. The Squadron was then activated again at Erbil, Iraq in 2015, & this patch was made for that deployment too, this time for the 55th RQS crew that had deployed, for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
Partly embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge, backed with hook & loop with the Giant in Dexter.
A1C Jason Schwenn and Senior Airman Caleb Castillo, 64th EHMU crew chiefs, place a tarp over an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter during a major dust storm. The tarps help prevent small dust particles from damaging or corroding components of the aircraft. Both Airmen are deployed from Moody AFB.
(US National Archives Photo)
64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Operation INHERENT RESOLVE
Diyarbakir AB, Turkey
Desert Subdued Colour
c.2017
This patch was obtained in 2018 & is a newly issued patch. The unit flew from Balad AB, in Afghanistan & also Diyarbakir AB, Turkey, so I have assumed that this being a new patch it was issued for the newest base. If you can tell me different please let me know.
Embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge with the giant in Dexter.
If you have any additional information about this patch please contact me & I´ll get back to you.
Thanks👣
Thanks👣
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