This is the handmade reproduction patch for the skull version of the "Fighting 20" squadron. I think they were an F-4 Phantom squadron, but don't know for sure. I should...........

The 'Freelancers' of VF-21 were established in March 1944 as VF-81. After several redesignations, they eventually received their final designation in July 1959. They flew the F-4N Phantoms until receiving their Tomcats in November 1983. They were the first Tomcat squadron to reach the Gulf for Operation Desert Shield, but left before the Conflict began.

The 'Fighting Renegades' of VF-24 was established in June 1955 as VF-211, then redesignated to it's current in March 1959. They began converting to the F-14A Tomcat in November 1975. The were stationed at NAS Miramar, but have since been decommissioned.

This is the color version of the current squadron patch for VF-31. The "Tomcatters" are the second oldest Navy fighter squadron dating back to VF-1B on July 1935. They flew the F-4J Phantoms until transitioning to the F-14D Tomcat in January 1992. They pioneered the use of the TARPS pod for reconnaissance missions and participated in the Lebanon and Syrian conflicts, the latter of which they were engaged by hostile AAA and missile fire. Just ran out of these patches, but have more inbound.

This is the desert version of the current squadron patch for VF-31. The "Tomcatters" are the second oldest Navy fighter squadron dating back to VF-1B on July 1935. They flew the F-4J Phantoms until transitioning to the F-14D Tomcat in January 1992. They pioneered the use of the TARPS pod for reconnaissance missions and participated in the Lebanon and Syrian conflicts, the latter of which they were engaged by hostile AAA and missile fire.

Established as VBF-3 in 1945, the squadron was redesignated VF-4A in 1946, then VF-32 in August 1948. The "Swordsmen" participated in the Lebanon strikes, the Grenada invasion, the Libyan MiG-23 'Flogger' shootdown in 1985, and also in Desert Storm onboard the USS JFK (CV-67) with CVW-17. This is their current squadron patch that shows the Pilot wings on top.

Established as VBF-3 in 1945, the squadron was redesignated VF-4A in 1946, then VF-32 in August 1948. The "Swordsmen" participated in the Lebanon strikes, the Grenada invasion, the Libyan MiG-23 'Flogger' shootdown in 1985, and also in Desert Storm onboard the USS JFK (CV-67) with CVW-17. This is their current squadron patch that shows the NFO wings on top.

Established as VBF-3 in 1945, the squadron was redesignated VF-4A in 1946, then VF-32 in August 1948. The "Swordsmen" participated in the Lebanon strikes, the Grenada invasion, the Libyan MiG-23 'Flogger' shootdown in 1985, and also in Desert Storm onboard the USS JFK (CV-67) with CVW-17. This is the desert version of their current squadron patch.

The 'Starfighters' of VF-33 flew the F-14A Tomcat before being decommissioned. Established in October 1948, they were originally known as the 'Tarsiers' until the mid-80s. They transitioned from the F-4 Phantom to the F-14 Tomcat in 1981. They flew in operations against Libya, and Desert Storm onboard the USS America with CVW-1. This is the older "Devil-head" version of their squadron patch created when they were commissioned.

The 'Starfighters' of VF-33 flew the F-14A Tomcat before being decommissioned. Established in October 1948, they were originally known as the 'Tarsiers' until the mid-80s. They transitioned from the F-4 Phantom to the F-14 Tomcat in 1981. They flew in operations against Libya, and Desert Storm onboard the USS America with CVW-1. This is the newer "STARFIGHTER" version of their squadron patch created more toward their decommission.

This design was created for the Black Aces final cruise, but this particular patch has been made with the Pakistani "bullion" threading to make it more of a special commemorative patch. It is very nice, but I'm currently out. I have more ordered though.

The "Black Aces" of VF-41 operated the F-14A out of NAS Oceana, VA. Callsign "Fast Eagle", they were established in September 1950 and transitioned from the F-4Ns in April 1976 to their current platform. In August 1981, the Black Aces downed 2 Su-22 "Fitter" fighters after being attacked during an exercise. They participated in several exercises and flew from the decks of several carriers. They also shifted to the USS Lincoln (CVN-72) for 'cleanup' operations at the end of Desert Storm. This is the color version of their squadron patch.

The "Black Aces" of VF-41 operated the F-14A out of NAS Oceana, VA. Callsign "Fast Eagle", they were established in September 1950 and transitioned from the F-4Ns in April 1976 to their current platform. In August 1981, the Black Aces downed 2 Su-22 "Fitter" fighters after being attacked during an exercise. They participated in several exercises and flew from the decks of several carriers. They also shifted to the USS Lincoln (CVN-72) for 'cleanup' operations at the end of Desert Storm. This is the desert version of their squadron patch.

This is the "Friday" patch worn by the "Black Aces" of (then) VF-41. They have since transitioned to the F/A-18 and are now known as the VFA-41 "Black Aces" flying out of NAS Lemoore, CA.

The 'Challengers' of VF-43 were established in May 1945 as VF-74A, then went through many name-changes: VF-74 in August 1945, VF-1B in November 1946, VF-21 in September 1948, VA-43 in July 1959, then VF-43 in June 1973. They operated a mix of Douglas A-4Fs and TA-4Fs Skyhawks, Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tigers, General Dynamics F-16N and TF-16Ns, and the North American T-2C Buckeyes, all for the sole purpose of providing air combat training to the Fleet fighter squadrons.