VF-53

VF-53, also known as Fighter Squadron 53, was a United States Navy fighter squadron established during World War II. Commissioned in 1943 as VF-53 "Iron Angels," the squadron flew F6F Hellcats and later F4U Corsairs in the Pacific Theater, participating in key battles such as the Marianas Turkey Shoot and strikes against Japanese-held islands. Reactivated during the Korean War, VF-53 transitioned to jet aircraft, flying F9F Panthers and later F-8 Crusaders through the Vietnam War. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in 1971, having built a distinguished combat record across three major conflicts.