USAF / 88th TES / 413th FLTS Det.1 / CTF / HH-60 / Jolly Green Giant

88th Test & Evaluation Squadron

CSAR CTF

Combat Search & Rescue Combined Test Force

Nellis AFB

Full Colour

c.2010

This patch is from the test unit based at Nellis AFB & dates to c.2010. The Squadron use orange colour in their design of patches as the test equipment on  a HH-60 is coloured orange as to identify it easily. The CTF is a joint force with crew from the 88th TES & Det.1 413th FLTS making up the unit. The Squadron doesn't have any official emblem, so this would be the first real patch that was made by the 88th as it was activated in December 2009.

Fully embroidered with a merrowed edge with the Giant in Dexter.

A HH-60G banks over a range on a training mission.

(USAF photo)

88th Test & Evaluation Squadron

413th Flight Test Squadron Detachment 1

CSAR CTF

Combat Search & Rescue Combined Test Force

Nellis AFB

Full Colour

c.2018

This patch is a PVC for the unit with the CSAR CTF which actually glows in the dark! This was made when the Squadron operates HH-60G's from Nellis AFB, Nevada & tests weapons systems for the USAF to employ onto their HH-60 fleet.

PVC patch backed with hook and loop.

88th Test & Evaluation Squadron

413th Flight Test Squadron Detachment 1

CSAR CTF

Combat Search & Rescue Combined Test Force

Nellis AFB

Full Colour

c.2019

This patch was obtained off Flightline Insignia who got them directly from the squadron. The patch differs to the earlier version of the patch as the CTF CSAR doesn't glow in the dark. It is however one of the brightest jolly patches around. PVC patch backed with hook and loop. The CTF is made up from two Squadrons that are at Nellis, these being the 88th TES & the 413th FLTS Det.1.

Here you can easily identify the test equipment in the rear of a HH-60W (its orange!) from Det 2 of the 88th TES when it was active at Duke Field. (USAF Photo/ 1st Lt Lindsey Heflin)

88th Test & Evaluation Squadron

JOINT ROTARY WING TEST SYMPOSIUM

Combat Search & Rescue Combined Test Force

Nellis AFB

Full Colour

2019

This patch was sold at the air show at Nellis during 2022, however this was made for the first Symposium which took place in 2019. It was cancelled in 2020 for COVID but has taken place since 2021. The Joint Rotary Test Symposium or (JORTS) for short, was put together by the 88th to get all of the DOD rotary test units together and share information, understand who was working on what, and to establish cross talk for lessons learned. It’s a big success and held every year since. Also JORTS are also used to describe Jean shorts. Which is why he the Giant has them on.

A Pavehawk works with an A-10 Thunderbolt who provides very effective firepower cover during a CSAR training flight.

(USAF Photo)

If you have any additional information about this patch please contact me & I´ll get back to you.

Thanks👣