Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 Detachment 1 'Desert Hawks' uniform patch : Able Seaman R Beevor, RAN

Circular uniform patch for American Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26) Detachment 1. The patch shows a spread-winged eagle with the outline of the Persian Gulf above it's head. A white 'X' is embroidered over Bahrain where the detachment operated from during it's deployment to the region.

The American Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Six (HCS-26) 'CHARGERS' was formed on 1 September 1967. The squadron is equipped with 12 Sikorsky MH-60S 'KNIGHTHAWK' helicopters and is used in replenishment, logistics support and Search And Rescue (SAR) roles. It deployed to the Persian Gulf in September 2005 and was based in Bahrain. This badge was collected by Able Seaman Ryan Beevor, RAN who swapped one of his patches for this HCS-26 'Desert Hawks' patch during a mail run. Beevor deployed in late May 2005 to the Persian Gulf in HMAS Newcastle as part of Operation Catalyst. Beevor served as a avionics technician, working on the 'Sea Hawk' helicopters with Flight 1, made up of members of 816 Squadron, RAN. Beevor returned to Australia in November 2005 after the completion of HMAS Newcastle's tour of operations.