VF-14

• Oldest Active U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron: VF-14, also known as the "Tophatters," was established in 1919, making it the oldest active U.S. Navy squadron. • Iconic Insignia: The squadron’s "Tophatters" insignia, featuring a black top hat, is one of the most recognizable squadron patches in naval aviation. • Multiple Designations: VF-14 has undergone numerous redesignations throughout its history, including VF-1, VF-2B, VF-2, VF-14, and later VFA-14, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft. • First Aircraft: The squadron initially operated the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny,” a primary trainer of World War I, before transitioning to combat aircraft. • World War II Service: VF-14 participated in World War II, flying Grumman F4F Wildcats and later F6F Hellcats from aircraft carriers in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. • Korean War Deployments: The squadron flew the F4U Corsair during the Korean War, conducting combat missions from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). • First with F-14 Tomcat: VF-14 was among the first squadrons to receive the F-14A Tomcat in the early 1970s, operating it for nearly three decades. • Gulf War Operations: The Tophatters flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing air superiority and reconnaissance. • Transition to Super Hornet: In 2001, the squadron was redesignated as VFA-14 and transitioned to flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet, adopting a modern multirole mission. • Centennial Celebration: In 2019, the Tophatters celebrated their 100th anniversary, marking a century of continuous service to the U.S. Navy.