RAAF No 77 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet Patch by COMMANDO

The COMMANDO RAAF No. 77 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet Patch commemorates one of Australia's best-known fighter squadrons and its long association with the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Featuring the identity of No. 77 Squadron, this morale patch recognises a unit whose history spans the Second World War, the Korean War and decades of Australian air defence operations.

The History Behind No. 77 Squadron

No. 77 Squadron was formed at RAAF Station Pearce in Western Australia on 16 March 1942. Initially equipped with Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk fighters, the squadron operated in the South West Pacific during the Second World War, including campaigns in northern Australia and New Guinea. Following the war, it moved to Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, flying P-51 Mustangs.

The outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 changed the squadron's role dramatically. No. 77 Squadron joined United Nations forces and began combat operations over Korea, initially flying Mustangs before converting to Gloster Meteor jet fighters in 1951. Its Korean service became a defining part of the squadron's identity. The unit recorded five MiG-15 victories and suffered significant losses during the conflict. Its motto, "Swift to Destroy", reflects the fighting spirit associated with this period.

The squadron's distinctive badge features an Oriental lion, also known as the Hae Tae. The mythical creature is traditionally regarded as a guardian and defender of peace. Its association with No. 77 Squadron reflects the unit's Korean War service and its history in the East. The lion became affectionately known as the "Grumpy Monkey", a nickname that has endured among squadron personnel and aviation enthusiasts.

The Hornet Era

After returning to Australia, No. 77 Squadron operated Sabres and later Mirage III fighters. In June 1987, it began converting to the F/A-18 Hornet, bringing the squadron into a new era of high-performance multirole fighter operations.

The Hornet provided air-to-air combat and air-to-ground capabilities, allowing the squadron to undertake a broad range of operational tasks. During its Hornet years, No. 77 Squadron supported deployments including operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. The aircraft remained central to the squadron's work at Williamtown until the transition to the F-35A Lightning II began in 2021.

The Patch

This morale patch brings together the identity of No. 77 Squadron and its association with the F/A-18 Hornet. It represents the squadron's long history, from its wartime beginnings through its celebrated Korean service and subsequent decades operating modern Australian fighter aircraft. It is a fitting collectible for RAAF personnel, military aviation enthusiasts and squadron memorabilia collections.

Features

• Commemorates RAAF No. 77 Squadron
• Recognises the squadron's F/A-18 Hornet era
• Associated with the Oriental Lion squadron badge
• Celebrates the squadron's Korean War heritage
• References the motto "Swift to Destroy"
• Suitable for military aviation and RAAF memorabilia collections

Specifications

Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0043
Design: RAAF No. 77 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet
Dimensions: 90 x 90 mm
Attachment: Sew-on
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008613

The COMMANDO RAAF No. 77 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet Patch is a tribute to a distinguished Australian fighter squadron and the aircraft that served as a major part of its modern history.