HMM-163 Evil Eyes Patch - Plastic Backing4 inch patchEmbroideredUS Veteran Owned BusinessMarine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport tiltrotors. The squadron, known as the "Ridge Runners", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).The Squadron's nickname, "Ridge Runners", was bestowed as a result of typhoon rescue and relief operations in the mountainous terrain surrounding Hagman, Japan.MissionProvide assault support transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment during expeditionary, joint or combined operations. Be prepared for short-notice, worldwide deployment in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.HistoryVietnam WarHMR(L)-163, the predecessor of HMM-163, was formed in December 1951. From February to October 1965, the HMM-163 "Ridge Runners" helicopter squadron became famous for its operations in Vietnam. This was primarily due to a LIFE magazine photo-essay by Larry Burrows "One ride with Yankee Papa 13" that documented the combat death of Marine H-34 pilot 1st Lt James E. Magel and the rescue of wounded gunner Sgt Billie Owens during a mission transporting Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops near Danang on 31 March 1965. For most U.S. citizens, this was the first time they were made aware of the extent of America's involvement in Vietnam.In late October 1965, HMM-163 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan. Capt Al Barbes, the Squadron Intelligence Officer and husband to a Filipina bride, offered a suggestion. Because of Asian culture and beliefs, he proposed that eyes painted on the unit aircraft might have an unsettling effect upon the enemy, thus the concept of "The Eyes" on the front of HMM-163 aircraft was born.On January 1