Established as VF-193 in August 1948, the "Ghostriders" were redesignated as VF-142 on 15 October 1963 and began flying the F-14 in 1974. Transitioning to an East Coast squadron at NAS Oceana, VA, they were attached to the USS America (CV-66) for their first deployment with CVW-6, then were transferred to the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) and CVW-7. This was their aircraft triangle patch and has the gold threaded border.

This is the patch worn on the right sleeve of the flightsuits of the Pilots and RIOs of VF-143, the 'Pukin Dogs'. One of the Tomcat squadrons located at NAS Oceana, VA.

The 'Pukin Dogs' of VF-143 began existance as VF-871, a Reserve squadron activated for the Korean War in July 1950. They flew F-4J Phantoms until 1974 when they transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat. They made their first Tomcat cruise aboard the USS America (CV-66) in April 1976. This is their "Last Time, Baby" aircraft patch depicting the Tomcat Dates for their tenure, 1975-2005

The VF-154 'Black Knights' were established in February 1951, then designated as VF-154 in February 1953. They flew the F-4S Phantom before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat. This is the color version of the NEW aircraft triangle design. It is the triangle patch worn on the right shoulder of the desert flight suits worn by the aircrew that fly the Tomcat while in the "desert" regions.

The VF-154 'Black Knights' were established in February 1951, then designated as VF-154 in February 1953. They flew the F-4S Phantom before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat. This is the desert version of the NEW aircraft triangle design. It is the triangle patch worn on the right shoulder of the desert flight suits worn by the aircrew that fly the Tomcat while in the "desert" regions.

The VF-154 'Black Knights' were established in February 1951, then designated as VF-154 in February 1953. They flew the F-4S Phantom before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat. This is the color version of the OLD aircraft triangle design. It is the triangle patch worn on the right shoulder of the aircrew that fly the Tomcat.

The VF-154 'Black Knights' were established in February 1951, then designated as VF-154 in February 1953. They flew the F-4S Phantom before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat. This patch shows the aircraft with the wings swept back as if they were intercepting a bogey and needed speed.

The VF-154 'Black Knights' were established in February 1951, then designated as VF-154 in February 1953. They flew the F-4S Phantom before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat. This version of the aircraft patch shows the wings swept forward, as if they were in the "transition" phase of flight.

VF-194 and sister squadron VF-191 were the two shortest lived F-14 squadrons in history and are thus unfamiliar to many observers. The original VF-194 took part in WWII, the Korean conflict and Vietnam, but was disestablished on the 1st of March 1978 as a F-4 Phantom squadron. VF-194 also flew Hellcats, Bearcats, Cougars, Furies and Crusaders. Reestablished on the 1st of December 1986 as part of CVW-10 attached to USS INDEPENDENCE, The Legendary Red Lightnings again flew the skies of NAS Miramar, albeit for a very short time. After accepting seven of their twelve aircraft and participating with USS ENTERPRISE for Sea Fair in Seattle, WA, an ACM detachment to George AFB, CA and a Fleet Fighter ACM Readiness Program (FFARP) detachment to NAF El Centro, CA, VF-194 was notified of its impending disestablishment just two months prior to CVW-10's planned Air Wing Strike Detachment to NAS Fallon, NV. The Legendary Red Lightnings last flight was in the Spring of 1988.