{"product_id":"officially-licensed-usmc-hma-169-vipers-patch","title":"Officially Licensed USMC HMA-169 Vipers Patch","description":"\u003cp\u003eOfficially Licensed USMC HMA-169 Vipers Patch — Marine Heavy Attack Helicopter Squadron Legacy Embroidered Patch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the Vipers flew Z-models and Yankee Hueys — they were HMA-169, flying the AH-1 Cobra in the pure attack role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHMA-169 \"Vipers\" was the Marine attack helicopter designation for what is now HMLA-169. Under the HMA designation, the squadron operated AH-1 Cobras in the dedicated attack helicopter role before the Marine Corps consolidated light attack and utility helicopter missions under the HMLA designation. HMA-169 Cobra crews provided close air support, anti-armor, and armed escort for Marine ground forces. The transition from HMA to HMLA reflected the Marine Corps' decision to integrate AH-1 attack helicopters and UH-1 utility helicopters into combined squadrons, creating the light attack helicopter squadrons that operate today. This patch preserves the Vipers' identity from their HMA era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect For:\n\u003cbr\u003eHMA-169 and HMLA-169 Vipers veterans, AH-1 Cobra pilots, Marine attack helicopter community members, legacy skid-kid aviators, and USMC squadron history patch collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVipers. HMA era. Pure attack.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"USMCinsignia.com","offers":[{"title":"With Hook \u0026 Loop","offer_id":67937289109785,"sku":"fpp1793005454164","price":7.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"No Hook \u0026 Loop","offer_id":67937289142553,"sku":"grh1793005454165","price":8.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/7054\/6457\/files\/officially-licensed-usmc-hma-169-vipers-patch_1.png?v=1793005461","url":"https:\/\/www.oliveandbrook.shop\/products\/officially-licensed-usmc-hma-169-vipers-patch","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}