VR-55 Patch Trucker Style Squadron Hat Operation Desert Storm C-9 DC-9 Aircraft

Description

(In Country) VR-55 Patch & Trucker Style Squadron Hat Operation Desert Storm - Flew the Military Variant C-9 to the Civilian DC-9 Aircraft
Patch is a large 4.75" across and still has Japanese or Chinese writing on the paper stuck to the back of the patch (These were created "In Country). The hat looks like it was worn (see picture of inside hat band) many years ago, but has not tears of major issues at all. The hat was made in the USA in San Diego. The yellow VR-55 on the hat is in nice shape. The patch was made while the squadron was based out of he country by a non approved US military company in that country, so the patch won’t be up to the standards of regular military patches. Some think they are more rare & valuable...some are not happy with the quality of non approved company patches made while on the ground outside the US.
Please ask any/all questions before purchase or bids
In September 1974, 30 reserve personnel from NARU Alameda and Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 30 embarked on a pilot program to gauge the feasibility of expanding Navy Reserve Air Force logistics capabilities. Dubbed the “Naval Air Reserve C-9B Transport Reinforcement Program,” the official command history noted the “harmonious interaction of regular and reserve personnel was a singular contribution with results far exceeding expectations."
The Navy's Pacific Fleet established Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FIVE FIVE (VR-55) on 1 April 1976 at a ceremony held in its home base of NAS Alameda, California. Captain Richard Hendel, USN Ready Reserve, took command of three C-9 Skytrain aircraft and 220 personnel of the squadron that would be nicknamed “The Minutemen” due to its establishment during the United States Bicentennial celebration. The “Bicentennial Minutemen” operated the Navy's first reserve jet squadron, conducting both logistical operations as well as pioneering the Navy's “pathfinder” program. Utilizing its unique and technologically superior navigational capabilities, the Minutemen played a vital role in the execution of Operation Key Joint, escorting six A-6 Intruders of VA-96 from Barbers Point, Hi. to NAS Cubi point in the Philippines.
In its first (partial) year of operations, the Minutemen recorded 3,030.7 flight hours, transporting 55,507 passengers and 2.8 million pounds of cargo.
In 1983, VR-55 extended its mission from the Pacific Rim to reach the Mediterranean Sea and Central America. The squadron augmented EUCOM logistics for the first time in November 1983, while another detachment participated in the humanitarian Project Handclasp, transporting supplies to Honduras on 3 November.
In 1986, VR-55 added VIP transport to its list of missions, carrying a DACOWITS (Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Service) contingent on a 14-day fact-finding tour throughout military installations in the Western pacific. With its aircraft appointed in a relatively spartan manner, members of the command donated their own time and money to procure furnishings from a major airline special equipment sale to prepare for the luminaries. “I’ve seen Vice President Bush’s C-9, and it’s not as nice as this” remarked one committee member after the trip.