About this Unit
VF-84, known as the "Jolly Rogers," was a renowned U.S. Navy fighter squadron established in 1955. Initially flying the FJ-3 Fury, the squadron later transitioned to the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and finally the F-14 Tomcat, gaining fame for their distinctive skull-and-crossbones insignia. VF-84 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War and several Mediterranean cruises during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 1995, but its legacy continues through its iconic imagery and the traditions carried on by successor units.
Historical Facts
•
Origins: The original VF-84 was established in July 1955 and was known as the "Jolly Rogers." The famous skull-and-crossbones insignia was adopted from the previous squadron VF-61.
•
Iconic Insignia: VF-84’s Jolly Roger insignia (skull over crossed bones) is among the most recognizable squadron symbols in US Navy history, often associated with pirate lore.
•
Aircraft Flown: Throughout its history, VF-84 operated several aircraft, including the FJ-3 Fury, F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and most famously, the F-14 Tomcat.
•
Hollywood Fame: VF-84’s F-14 Tomcats appeared in the 1980 movie The Final Countdown, in which the USS Nimitz travels back in time to Pearl Harbor.
•
Carrier Deployments: The Jolly Rogers were regularly deployed aboard famous carriers such as the USS Roosevelt, USS Independence, and USS Nimitz.
•
Nickname: The squadron’s radio call sign was "Victory," which was fitting given their pirate theme and high combat standards.
•
Cold War Operations: VF-84 played a key role in the Cold War era, participating in NATO operations and intercepting Soviet aircraft in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
•
Desert Storm: VF-84 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrol missions and escorting strike aircraft.
•
Disestablishment: VF-84 was disestablished on October 1, 1995. However, its traditions were carried on by VF-103, which adopted the Jolly Rogers name and insignia.
•
Legacy: The Jolly Rogers legacy continues to inspire military aviation fans worldwide, with many model kits, patches, and memorabilia bearing the famous black flag.
