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VF-41

U.S. Navy•42 members

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About this Unit

VF-41

U.S. Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41), also known as the "Black Aces," was established on September 1, 1950. Originally equipped with the F2H Banshee, the squadron later transitioned to various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat, playing key roles in conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation El Dorado Canyon. VF-41 gained worldwide fame in 1981 when its F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan Su-22s over the Gulf of Sidra. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-41 in 1995 and currently operates the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as an elite U.S. Navy fighter squadron.

About VF-41

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in WWII: VF-41, known as "The Black Aces," was first established on 1 September 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, although a previous squadron carried the same designation during the war.
Carrier-Based Legacy: VF-41 has been primarily a carrier-based fighter squadron, operating from some of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron saw significant action during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II and providing air cover and strike support.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1976, VF-41 became one of the first operational squadrons to transition to the legendary F-14A Tomcat, which it would operate for nearly three decades.
MiG Killers in Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1981, during an incident over the Gulf of Sidra, two VF-41 Tomcat pilots shot down two Libyan Su-22 "Fitters," achieving the squadron’s first air-to-air kills since the Vietnam era.
Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, VF-41 flew combat missions from USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing air superiority and escort for strike packages over Iraq.
Last F-14 Cruise: VF-41 completed its final deployment with the F-14 Tomcat in 2001, marking the end of an era for both the squadron and the legendary aircraft.
Redesignation as VFA-41: In 2001, VF-41 was redesignated as VFA-41 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, reflecting its new multi-role fighter/attack mission.
Distinctive Insignia: The squadron’s insignia, a black ace of spades, is one of the most recognizable in naval aviation and symbolizes its call sign "Black Aces."
Continued Service: Today, as VFA-41, the Black Aces continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in major operations and exercises worldwide.

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VF-41

U.S. Navy•42 members

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About this Unit

VF-41

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Timothy Mouton

U.S. Navy Veteran

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Neil Siegfried

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1990 - 2022

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Raymond Wilding

U.S. Navy · 1962 - 1966

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Richard Bartley

U.S. Navy · 1972 - 1975

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Photos

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About VF-41

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in WWII: VF-41, known as "The Black Aces," was first established on 1 September 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, although a previous squadron carried the same designation during the war.
Carrier-Based Legacy: VF-41 has been primarily a carrier-based fighter squadron, operating from some of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron saw significant action during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II and providing air cover and strike support.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1976, VF-41 became one of the first operational squadrons to transition to the legendary F-14A Tomcat, which it would operate for nearly three decades.
MiG Killers in Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1981, during an incident over the Gulf of Sidra, two VF-41 Tomcat pilots shot down two Libyan Su-22 "Fitters," achieving the squadron’s first air-to-air kills since the Vietnam era.
Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, VF-41 flew combat missions from USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing air superiority and escort for strike packages over Iraq.
Last F-14 Cruise: VF-41 completed its final deployment with the F-14 Tomcat in 2001, marking the end of an era for both the squadron and the legendary aircraft.
Redesignation as VFA-41: In 2001, VF-41 was redesignated as VFA-41 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, reflecting its new multi-role fighter/attack mission.
Distinctive Insignia: The squadron’s insignia, a black ace of spades, is one of the most recognizable in naval aviation and symbolizes its call sign "Black Aces."
Continued Service: Today, as VFA-41, the Black Aces continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in major operations and exercises worldwide.