Rapid Deployment Force, from early 80's. Attempt to coordinate joint service operations in response to the flaws in Desert One. We wore the patch right over our left pocket on our fatigues. Made a great target for someone.
Not a patch or pin. This is a DET plaque. When a helo detachment would deploy on a ship they would have a plaque made in the Phillipines. This was my second deployment. All of the weather extremes on this one. Phillipines, Korea, Hong Kong. And then we froze our butts off doing patrols 30 miles off the Russian coast near Vladivostock during Jan, Feb, and Mar. Miserable conditions when working on an aircraft and especially launch and recovery on the tiny flight deck of a navy frigate.