Jump to content

SR-71 Detachment patches Giant Bear Tanker Task Force KC 135Q


Pat Daniels
 Share

Recommended Posts

Here are some neat SR-71 cloth insignia that I have collected over the years. The top center 3 are Operating Location patches from Kadina Air Base, Okinawa Japan from 1968 - 1974. These were worn by the flight crew. The details of each is listed on the attached information sheet.

These are a bit scarce but the really killer one is the "376 S.W. OKINAWA G.B.T.T.F". in the upper right corner. This was the "Giant Bear Tanker Task Force" which consisted of KC-135Q tankers which carried the SR-71's special fuel. They "supported" the HABU (note the habu snake on the back of the bear). The 376th Strategic Wing only existed from Apr. 1970 - Aug. 1973.

All 4 patches are Okinawan made. The 3+ Test Force in the upper left corner is a reproduction. It's a hole filler until a good one surfaces. The DET 1 ichi ban and 3+ merrowed edge in the bottom row are, most likely, collector copies. All others are genuine. The PSD (PHYSIOLOGICAL SUPPORT DIVISION) in the lower left corner is also a neat one.
Thanks for looking and any additional information would be greatly appreciated! Pat

post-152100-0-67309300-1581486511_thumb.jpgpost-152100-0-11132300-1581486707.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great post! I live 2 miles from the Castle Air Museum where there is an actual A-12 type 1 on display amongst other aircraft. They also have one of the largest squadron patch displays in the U.S. Hope you can make it out to the West Coast one day to see them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Pat

 

This patch is from a friend given to him by one of his missile students as he had just been transported from Okinawa (OL-8) where he was a SR-71 fuel technician.

 

Phill

post-7582-0-66888900-1581527440.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Phil,

That is a great one which I have never seen before. Thanks for sharing it!

 

If I ever retire, a tour of military related museums will certainly be on the list! Thanks for the tip!

 

Pat

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Randy,

 

I am overly suspicious with all of the fakes floating around. Here are scans of both patches in question. I would really appreciate your thoughts on them.

Any one else's input on them would also be quite welcome!

 

THANKS! Pat

post-152100-0-62864000-1581579828.jpgpost-152100-0-24375500-1581579852.jpgpost-152100-0-83292500-1581579872.jpgpost-152100-0-66879300-1581579889.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love the 3+ patches, always been a fav of mine. Saw one on display at the Pima museum years ago, always wanted to find a real one myself. Def a ton of fakes out there, Im not an expert but yours looks pretty good to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...