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VF-14

U.S. Navy•35 members

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About this Unit

VF-14

U.S. Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14), also known as the "Tophatters," is recognized as the U.S. Navy’s oldest active aviation squadron, having been established in 1919. Throughout its long history, VF-14 has undergone numerous redesignations and has operated a variety of aircraft, from biplanes to modern jet fighters. The squadron saw extensive action in World War II, the Korean War, and later conflicts, consistently demonstrating excellence in carrier-based operations. Today, as VFA-14 (reflecting its strike fighter role), the Tophatters continue their legacy flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

About VF-14

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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VF-14

U.S. Navy•35 members

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About this Unit

VF-14

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Lennie Perry

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1986 - 1989

Message View Profile

Jack Margolis

U.S. Navy · 1969 - 1971

U.S. Navy Veteran

U.S. Navy Veteran

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VF-14

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.