NAVY PATCH FEATURES STAR WARS’ TUSKEN RAIDERS TO DEPICT HOUTHIS
A recent Navy photo sparked attention for showing a member of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM)-74 wearing a patch that likened the Houthi rebels to the Tusken Raiders, also known as ‘sand people,’ from the Star Wars franchise. The patch, part of a news release about HSM-74 visiting Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, on October 28, featured two Tusken Raiders inside a crosshair and the text ‘Houthi Hunting Club Red Sea 2023-2024.’ The image was subsequently removed from the military’s imagery and video database.
The patch is not the first Star Wars-themed insignia associated with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s deployment. Other crew members and visitors, including Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, were seen with patches styled after Star Wars title cards, reading ‘Red Sea Attack of the Drones War.’ It’s important to note that HSM-74 has recently returned to the United States after the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower completed its deployment in the Middle East in the summer.
During their deployment, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its aircraft participated in multiple missions to intercept missiles and drones, as well as operations with partner nations. These operations involved several airstrikes on major cities in Yemen. American forces have been actively engaged in shooting down drones and missiles fired by the Houthi group or destroying them before they can launch. It’s worth noting that independent watchdog group Airwars has reported on multiple instances of civilian casualties from alleged American and British airstrikes in February 2024, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing operations.
The use of Star Wars imagery in military patches reflects a broader cultural influence of the franchise, particularly among military personnel. The commander of the USS Eisenhower, Capt. Christopher Hill, has publicly expressed his fondness for Star Wars on social media. However, it remains unclear how widespread the use of the ‘Houthi Hunting Club’ patch is among HSM-74 or other units that served on the Eisenhower. Additionally, questions have been raised about how this patch signifies the unit’s heritage and its appropriateness given the serious nature of military operations.
This incident highlights the intersection of pop culture and military symbolism, while also drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea region and its broader implications.
Filipino Translation:
Hindi ito yung unang Star Wars-themed na insignia na naging associated sa deployment ng USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. May ibang crew members at mga bisita, pati si Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, na nakitang naka-patch din na parang Star Wars title cards, nakasulat "Red Sea Attack of the Drones War." FYI lang, ang HSM-74 kaka-uwi lang sa U.S. after matapos yung deployment ng USS Dwight D. Eisenhower sa Middle East noong summer.
Habang deployed sila, maraming missions yung USS Dwight D. Eisenhower at mga aircraft nito for intercepting missiles and drones, pati na rin mga operations kasama ang partner nations. Kasama dito yung mga airstrikes sa malalaking siyudad sa Yemen. Aktibo yung mga American forces sa pag-down ng drones at missiles na pinapalipad ng Houthi group or minsan nga, sinisira na bago pa makalipad. Sabi pa nga ng independent watchdog group na Airwars, may report sila about civilian casualties mula sa mga alleged American at British airstrikes noong February 2024, kaya nadadagdagan yung complexity ng mga operations.
Yung paggamit ng Star Wars imagery sa military patches parang nagre-reflect ng mas malawak na influence ng franchise, lalo na sa mga military personnel. Yung commander ng USS Eisenhower, si Capt. Christopher Hill, nag-express pa ng love niya for Star Wars sa social media. Pero di pa sure kung gaano kalawak yung paggamit ng "Houthi Hunting Club" patch sa HSM-74 o sa iba pang units na kasama sa Eisenhower. At syempre, may tanong din kung yung patch na ‘yon ay appropriate, lalo na't seryoso ang nature ng mga military operations.
Itong incident na ‘to, medyo nakakakuha ng attention kasi pinapakita kung paano minsan nagmi-mix yung pop culture at military symbolism. At the same time, nare-remind din tayo na ongoing pa rin yung conflict sa Red Sea region at yung mga mas malalim na implications nito.
Navy pilot spotted with patch depicting Houthis as ‘Star Wars’ sand people was first published here.
