Unknown 12th AMAS 'The Witches' patch

[Siamundo]

The only abbreviation I could come across for AMAS is from the Air Force, Aeromedical Airlift Squadron, but this patch doesn't strike me as medical related. I could be mistaken though. For no specific reason, I had wondered if it might be from a Marine Corps unit. Looks posibly Japanese made, about 5.5" high.  Anyone recognize it?

[doyler]

Navy squadrons typical start with the V designation for lighter than air as VF is an air Fighter  (hence the F) group, VP (Patrol Squadron etc and Marines use VM or VMF as VM is Marine designation and F for fighter. 

[Siamundo]

Yes, that is correct, Doyler. I should have been more specific-when I was wondering about the Marine Corps I was thinking more of an aviation support type unit-although most of those abbreviations start with the letter "M" like MABS, MACTU, MACS, MWSG, MWSS, MAMS, MASS, MWCS, WERS, TACC, etc.

[Randy]

Not to sure on Navy stuff, but think it's possibly USS Wichita related, and 12 AMAS is a fleet support unit of some kind? I can't remember the details, it came up 20+ years ago at a show.

 

Randy

[Siamundo]

Interesting. Thanks, Randy. Hadn't even considered the possibility of Navy. I have only had it for a couple of years but of course no information or identification came with it 😀

[Salvage Sailor]

-->>  Col. Frank Zamboni obituary

 

Comment:  

Sgt Richard wiggins

March 26, 2025

Col zamboni was the best co you could ask for . Was with him in the 12th amas. Mcguire afb in 66 to 70 when the 12th was closed down. I'm 80 years old now and will never forget this outstanding leader.

 

Blog Comment:

Wayne Owens

Our air evacuation crews (12th AMAS, McGuire AFB) relieved crews at Elmendorf and flew the rest of the trip EDF-ADW-WRI. Most patients were Vietnam Casualties The plane used was the C-141.

[Randy]

On 5/9/2026 at 2:29 PM, Salvage Sailor said:

Ah, that might be the problem. There was a 12th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron, which officially would be an the 12th AAS. They threw an "M" in there. The 12th AAS was at McGuire. They were the 12th Aeromedical Transport Squadron prior to 1966, and that abbreviation was AMTS. Seems like they combined the two. It's a morale patch, so whoever had them done put on it what they wanted, never knowing the confusion it would cause decades later!😄 Here's the approved unit patch.

Randy