An official website of the United States government         Here's how you know         
**Official websites use .mil**
A **.mil** website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
**Secure .mil websites use HTTPS**
 A **lock (lock )** or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Skip to main content (Press Enter).

U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandUSINDOPACOM

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Search

Search
Search

-  Home		 
-  Leadership    -  Commander         
  -  Deputy Commander         
  -  Chief of Staff         
  -  Senior Enlisted Leader 
-  About USINDOPACOM    -  History         
  -  USPACOM Area of Responsibility         
  -  USPACOM Previous Commanders         
  -  Women, Peace and Security 
-  Organization    -  Organization Chart 
-  Media    -  News      -  Spotlight 
  -  Photos         
  -  Speeches / Testimony         
  -  Freedom of Information Act      -  FOIA - Reading Room         
    -  Submit FOIA Request         
    -  Request Status         
    -  FOIA FAQS 
-  Resources    -  Travel Requirements         
  -  Useful Theater Information         
  -  FAQ         
  -  Useful Links 
-  Newcomers		 
-  Contact    -  Directory         
  -  Media Inquiries         
  -  Industry Engagements 
-  JTF - Red Hill		 
-  JTF-Micronesia		 

Home : Media : News : News Article View

PHOTO INFORMATION

** Download

** Details

** Share

# Red Patchers: Marines Conduct a Helicopter Support Team Exercise

By Nelson Duenas, III Marine Expeditionary Force

 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan --  Marines with red patches braced themselves against rotor wash as a helicopter rose over a 7,000 – pound cinder block, ready to lift. Buffeted by the wind, the Marines maneuvered themselves into position to attach a dangling hook from the helicopter to the monolithic block. The helicopter hovered a few feet above the Marines’ heads as the hook safely attached to the cinder block. The block slowly rose as the helicopter downdraft intensified. 

 The red patchers, properly referred to as landing support specialists, have a unique role in the Marine Corps. They coordinate ship-to-shore movement of troops, vehicles and supplies to ensure everything goes quickly and safely to where it is needed.

 “The red patch to me is kind of like a tradition,” said Pfc. Katherine Figueroa, a landing support specialist with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3. “It started back in World War II, and it is just a tradition we kept because it symbolizes our military occupational specialty.”

 Figueroa continues a tradition that began during the Pacific island-hopping campaign of World War II. After a initial beachhead assault, follow-on troops would come ashore. Confusion on the beach led to the creation of a red patch to distinguish the landing support Marines from those in the infantry. The red patch is placed on the back of both their trouser legs, below the cargo pocket, and on the front of their covers.

 Landing support specialists understand the origin of their patch and are proud of their tradition, according to Figueroa

 “That is always something that has been taught in the school house -- that the red patchers were kind of like our own community because not a lot of people know about our job,” said Figueroa.

  From the enlisted to officer ranks, red patchers stand out. During a major movement like the helicopter support team exercise, red patch officers are always on scene, providing direct guidance as enlisted Marines supervise the movement of personnel and equipment at a landing site.

 “I love my job, and I love Marines,” said 1st Lt. Hannah Cox, the platoon commander of the detachment. “Not every billet that a logistics officer gets is as hands on with Marines, so it is a joy to be able to be as involved as I get to be. There is not any other billet in III Marine Expeditionary Force were you get to be as operationally hands-on as with every HST exercise that my platoon does.” 

 Red patchers perform a dangerous job, but Marines like Figueroa say that it is also very exciting. 

 “It gets my heart pumping,” said Figueroa. “When you see the hook coming down, you know the hook has 200,000 volts of electricity going through it, and you’re just always being watchful and making sure nobody gets hit, because you’re gone if you get hit with a hook. To me, it is just an adrenaline rush.”

 The Marines of 3rd TSB understand their unique role and are proud to wear the red patch that signifies a legacy that began in World War II.

 “Depending on where Marines go and what they do,” said Cox, “there is always going to be a red patch there showing them what to do once they get there.” 

**                    SHARE                

**                    PRINT                

More News