{"product_id":"usmc-vmfp-3-det-b-mud-rhinos-patch","title":"USMC VMFP-3 DET B Mud Rhinos Patch","description":"\u003cp\u003eUSMC VMFP-3 Det B Mud Rhinos Patch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMarine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 Detachment B (VMFP-3 Det B) — \"Mud Rhinos\" — Team Spirit 1988\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMarine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3), known as \"The Eyes of the Corps,\" was the Marine Corps' sole tactical aerial reconnaissance squadron from its activation on 1 July 1975 until its deactivation on 1 July 1990. Operating the RF-4B Phantom II, VMFP-3 consolidated all Marine reconnaissance assets previously flown by VMCJ-1, VMCJ-2, and VMCJ-3 into a single specialized squadron based at MCAS El Toro, California, under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Mud Rhinos\" identity was adopted by Detachment B during Exercise Team Spirit 1988, one of the largest joint\/combined military exercises in the world at the time, conducted annually in South Korea. VMFP-3 routinely deployed detachments to support Fleet Marine Force operations across the Pacific and Western Pacific, including permanent deployment aboard USS Midway (CV-41) from 1975 to 1984 as part of Carrier Air Wing Five. These detachments provided aerial photographic, infrared, and side-looking airborne radar reconnaissance in support of III Marine Amphibious Force and 7th Fleet operations, including three Indian Ocean deployments during the Iranian hostage crisis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe RF-4B flew alone and unarmed, relying on speed — exceeding Mach 2 — and crew skill to survive while obtaining critical tactical imagery. The Marine Corps acquired 46 RF-4Bs, and these aircraft served with distinction from Vietnam through the final years of the Cold War until being replaced by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System aboard F\/A-18D Hornets in 1990.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect For: VMFP-3 Eyes of the Corps veterans, RF-4B Phantom II reconnaissance professionals, Team Spirit exercise participants, MCAS El Toro and Iwakuni alumni, and Marine tactical reconnaissance historians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mud Rhinos of VMFP-3 Det B — the Eyes of the Corps in Korea, flying alone, unarmed, and unafraid in the service of Marine reconnaissance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military, Law Enforcement and Custom Patches by USMCinsignia.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45822128422978,"sku":"xjy1793007421695","price":7.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/1801\/9650\/files\/usmc-vmfp-3-det-b-mud-rhinos-patch_1.png?v=1793007427","url":"https:\/\/www.mistyorchard.shop\/products\/usmc-vmfp-3-det-b-mud-rhinos-patch","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}