VF-171

• VF-171 Origins: Fighter Squadron 171 (VF-171), also known as the "Ghost Riders," was originally established as VF-82 on 20 February 1945, and was redesignated as VF-171 on 15 November 1946. • First Jet Fighter Squadron: VF-171 holds the distinction of being the U.S. Navy's first operational jet fighter squadron, equipped with the FH-1 Phantom. • Carrier Jet Operations: In 1948, VF-171 made history as the first squadron to qualify for carrier operations with jet aircraft, successfully landing FH-1 Phantoms on USS Sausalito (CVE-118). • F9F Panther Era: The squadron later transitioned to the Grumman F9F Panther, a jet fighter that saw extensive action during the Korean War. • Demonstration Team: In 1948, VF-171's pilots formed part of the Navy's "Gray Angels" demonstration team, a short-lived but historic precursor to the Blue Angels' jet era. • Cold War Deployments: During the early Cold War, VF-171 deployed aboard various aircraft carriers, including USS Midway and USS Coral Sea, projecting American air power around the globe. • Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, a key base for Atlantic Fleet carrier aviation during its service. • F2H Banshee Transition: VF-171 later operated the McDonnell F2H Banshee, a more advanced jet fighter that became a backbone of the Navy's jet fighter force in the 1950s. • Disestablishment: VF-171 was ultimately disestablished on 15 March 1958, concluding over a decade of pioneering naval jet aviation. • Legacy: The accomplishments and innovations of VF-171 paved the way for future Navy jet squadrons, and its history is preserved in naval aviation museums and archives.