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VF-1

U.S. Navy•11 members

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About this Unit

VF-1

U.S. Navy

VF-1, known as the "Wolfpack," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established on October 14, 1972. It was the first fleet squadron to operate the F-14 Tomcat, playing a pioneering role in integrating the iconic aircraft into carrier operations. Throughout its service, VF-1 participated in key deployments during the Cold War, providing air superiority and fleet defense in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The squadron was disestablished on October 1, 1993, after over two decades of distinguished service.

About VF-1

About this Unit

Historical Facts

First US Navy F-14 Squadron: VF-1, also known as the “Wolfpack,” was one of the two original US Navy squadrons to receive the F-14 Tomcat in 1972, marking a new era in naval aviation.
Established in 1972: VF-1 was officially established on 14 October 1972 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California.
First Deployment: VF-1 made its first operational deployment aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1974, participating in the inaugural F-14 cruise.
Vietnam War Operations: Though the F-14 arrived too late for heavy combat in Vietnam, VF-1’s first deployment included the final months of US involvement and the evacuation of Saigon in 1975.
Notable Engagement in 1981: In 1981, VF-1 Tomcats provided air cover during the Gulf of Sidra incident, where US Navy F-14s shot down two Libyan Su-22s (VF-1 played a supporting but not direct combat role).
PACEX ’89: VF-1 participated in PACEX ’89, the largest naval exercise since World War II, operating in the North Pacific to demonstrate US naval power at the end of the Cold War.
Operation Desert Storm: VF-1 was deployed aboard USS Ranger (CV-61) during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrols and escort missions over Iraq and Kuwait.
Unique Tail Code: VF-1 aircraft were recognized by their distinctive “NK” tail code and the fierce red wolf artwork on the tail fins.
Disestablishment: After 22 years of service, VF-1 was disestablished on 1 October 1993, as part of post-Cold War naval reductions and the retirement of the USS Ranger.
Legacy: The Wolfpack’s legacy lives on in aviation history, and the squadron’s insignia and traditions continue to be celebrated by military aviation enthusiasts and veterans.

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VF-1

U.S. Navy•11 members

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About this Unit

VF-1

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Robert Golden

U.S. Navy Veteran

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Reggie Barton

U.S. Navy Military Retiree

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Russell Stout

U.S. Navy · 1992 - 1993

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Clement Carey

U.S. Navy · 1974 - 1979

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VF-1

About this Unit

Historical Facts

First US Navy F-14 Squadron: VF-1, also known as the “Wolfpack,” was one of the two original US Navy squadrons to receive the F-14 Tomcat in 1972, marking a new era in naval aviation.
Established in 1972: VF-1 was officially established on 14 October 1972 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California.
First Deployment: VF-1 made its first operational deployment aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 1974, participating in the inaugural F-14 cruise.
Vietnam War Operations: Though the F-14 arrived too late for heavy combat in Vietnam, VF-1’s first deployment included the final months of US involvement and the evacuation of Saigon in 1975.
Notable Engagement in 1981: In 1981, VF-1 Tomcats provided air cover during the Gulf of Sidra incident, where US Navy F-14s shot down two Libyan Su-22s (VF-1 played a supporting but not direct combat role).
PACEX ’89: VF-1 participated in PACEX ’89, the largest naval exercise since World War II, operating in the North Pacific to demonstrate US naval power at the end of the Cold War.
Operation Desert Storm: VF-1 was deployed aboard USS Ranger (CV-61) during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrols and escort missions over Iraq and Kuwait.
Unique Tail Code: VF-1 aircraft were recognized by their distinctive “NK” tail code and the fierce red wolf artwork on the tail fins.
Disestablishment: After 22 years of service, VF-1 was disestablished on 1 October 1993, as part of post-Cold War naval reductions and the retirement of the USS Ranger.
Legacy: The Wolfpack’s legacy lives on in aviation history, and the squadron’s insignia and traditions continue to be celebrated by military aviation enthusiasts and veterans.