USAF / 33d ARRS / HH-3E / Jolly Green Giant

The 33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) has produced several variations of their patches over the years, reflecting their rich and continuous history of over 60 years, with only a brief 9-month period of inactivity. Given this extended duration of service, the squadron has created numerous patches over time. While many of the Jolly Green patches may date back to the early 1970s, the legacy of the Green Giant spans over 50 years.

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1970's

This one dates to the 1970's & is slightly unusual as its 100% embroidered. It has the RD underlined which was an early design feature with their patches & was used when the Squadron was operating both the HH-3 or HH-53 at Kadena.

Manufactured in the Far East/Asia full embroidered with a schiffli cut edge & the Giant in Dexter.

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1970/80's

(US National Archives)

A version worn during the 1970/80's, & is slightly different as it has the RD underlined. The same patch can be seen worn by a crewman on a training mission in the 1980's flying on a HH-3. 

This was manufactured in the US & is an approved patch partially embroidered on gauze (cheesecloth) backed twill with a schiffli cut edge & the Giant in Dexter.

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1980's

This patch dates to the 1980's and would have been worn when operating HH-3’s at Kadena.

This is manufactured in China or Taiwan & is different as its fully embroidered with a merrowed edge with a glued pigtail on a plastic backed patch.

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1970's

This patch dates from the 1980's & is a typical version of the patch when the Squadron were operating HH-3's.

This patch is partially embroidered on gauze (cheesecloth) backed twill, with a merrowed edge & a glued pigtail on a plastic backed patch.

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1970's

This patch was made in the 1980's.

The patch is partially embroidered on twill with a schiffli cut edge & the Giant in Dexter.

"The 1980's brought the squadron into the headlines after a Soviet fighter aircraft shot down South Korean airliner, Korean Air Lines Flight 007. As the Squadron was the only air Rescue unit of the USAF in the area they provided support for search efforts and salvage operations from September to October 1983."

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Heritage Patch

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

2021

This patch was made in the spring of 2021 and is a heritage patch approved by the Squadron. This was obtained directly from the Squadron, & a huge thanks for Chris for helping me. This was made by Tiger Embroidery which is located in Okinawa & supply the Squadron with some of their patches.

Partially embroidered on twill with a schiffli cut edge, backed with hook & loop with the Giant in Dexter.

A HH-3 Jolly Green Giant sits in the mid day sun at Osan AB waiting for the next sortie of the day.

(Photo courtesy of Jerry Stover)

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Woodland subdued Colour

1980's

This patch dates from the 1970's to 1980's & is an unusual version as its the only woodland subdued version of the Jolly Green Giant patch, although the design is very similar to the colour versions.

This is partially embroidered on twill & has a thin white fabric backing with a merrowed edge that has its pigtail taped with fabric tape. A very high quality finish to the patch & has lots of attention paid to it when manufactured.

A superb photograph showing the European One camouflage off perfectly this 

HH-3E cruises in the cool air over Japan.

(US National Archive photo/SSgt. Steve McGill)

33d Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1970's

Looking very similar to the earlier naked jolly design as the Giant has leg outlines but hasn't been coloured in. This version does have the top scroll with the Squadron number in, so I suspect with that evidence it was worn, especially due to the wear & tear of the patch.

If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

33rd Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

Jolly Death

Morale Patch

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1980's

This patch was made by some of the crew from the 33d ARRS on a trip to Korea, & was a novelty patch. A lot of crews made patches on trips to Korea where there were lots of tailor shops offering embroidered services.

These were hand embroidered on twill with a schiffli edge, so everyone will be individual and unique.

If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

STAN EVAL

Kadena AB, Japan

Woodland Subdued Colour

1990's

This is a patch that is quite difficult to find & has the STAN EVAL tab above the top scroll.

Embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge & the Giant in Dexter.

If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

Kadena AB, Japan

Full Colour

1980's

Quite an unusual & distinctive design on the 33.

Embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge & the Giant in Dexter.

If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.

If you have any additional information about this patch or anything to add, for example, photos or stories, please contact me at

usafjollygreen@gmail.com 

I will get back to you.

Thanks👣