Fighter Squadron 14 (FITRON 14)

VF-14 ‘Tophatters’

 

vf-14 tophatters crest insignia patch badge fighter squadron fitron us navy f-14 tomcat

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron fitron us navy f-14 tomcat

 

STATUS:

established as Pacific Fleet Air Detachment on September 1, 1919
redesignated Torped & Bombing Squadron VT-5 on September 7, 1920

redesignated Patrol Squadron VP-4-1 on September 7, 1921
redesignated Fighting Squadron VF-4 on September 23, 1921
redesignated VF-1 on July 1, 1922
redesignated VF-1B High Hatters on July 1, 1927
redesignated Bombing Squadron VB-2B on July 1, 1934
redesignated VB-3 on July 1, 1937
redesignated VB-4 on July 1, 1939
redesignated Scouting Squadron VS-41 on March 15, 1941

(renamed Tophatters in 1942)
redesignated VB-41 on March 1, 1943
redesignated VB-4 on August 4, 1943
redesignated Attack Squadron VA-1A on November 15, 1946
redesignated VA-14 on August 2, 1948
redesignated VF-14 on December 15, 1949
redesignated VFA-14 on December 1, 2001

    

Nickname: High Hatters (1927-42) / Tophatters (1942-2001)

AIRCRAFT:

Vought F4U Corsair (1948-52)

Douglas F3D Skyknight (1954)

McDonnell F3H Demon (1955-63)

McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (1963-73)

Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1974-2001)

 

 

DEPLOYMENTS:

November 1951 - December 1951 with CVG-1 aboard USS Wasp (CV 18)

May 1952 - October 1952 with CVG-1 aboard USS Wasp (CV 18)

September 1954 - November 1954 with ATG-201 aboard USS Intrepid (CV 11)

January 1957 - July 1957 with CVG-1 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59)

September 1957 - October 1957 with CVG-1 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59)

October 1958 - November 1958 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

February 1959 - September 1959 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1960 - August 1960 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

February 1961 - August 1961 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1961 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

July 1962 - April 1963 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1963 - December 1963 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

April 1964 - December 1964 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

June 1965 - December 1965 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1966 - February 1966 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

June 1966 - February 1967 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

August 1967 - May 1968 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1968 - December 1968 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

February 1969 - December 1969 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

September 1970 - March 1971 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

November 1971 - May 1972 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

September 1972 - October 1972 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

April 1973 - December 1974 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67)

April 1975 - January 1976 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

June 1976 - July 1976 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

September 1976 - November 1976 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

January 1977 - August 1977 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

November 1977 - December 1977 with CVW-1 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)

June 1978 - February 1979 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

August 1980 - March 1981 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

June 1982 - December 1982 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

October 1983 - April 1984 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

October 1984 - February 1985 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

August 1986 - March 1987 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

August 1988 - February 1989 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

August 1990 - March 1991 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

October 1992 - April 1993 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

March 1996 with CVW-8 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

April 1997 - October 1997 with CVW-8 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

March 1999 - September 1999 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

April 2001 - November 2001 with CVW-8 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

 

images

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f-14a tomcat cvw-8 uss enterprise cvn 65

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - 2001

 

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of VF-14 parked on the tarmac in 30-day short term preservation due to a lack of operating funds to keep them flying - 1994

 

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of VF-14 parked on the tarmac in 30-day short term preservation due to a lack of operating funds to keep them flying - 1994

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-14a tomcat cvw-3 carrier qualifications uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn 69

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for carrier qualifications - 1993

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for carrier qualifications - 1993

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f-14 tomcat carrier air wing cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn 69

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for carrier qualifications - 1993

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1993

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1993

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1991

 

f-14a tomcat vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) - 1991

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron fitron f-14a tomcat cvw-3 uss john f. kennedy cv 67

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1991

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1991

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1991

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters operation desert shield

F-14A Tomcats of VF-14 and VF-32 / CVW-3 embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) during aerial refueling - 1991

 

F-14A Tomcats of VF-14 and VF-32 / CVW-3 embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-14 tomcat

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-3 uss john f. kennedy cv-67

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 & VF-32 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-14a tomcat carrier air wing uss john f. kennedy cv 67 fs foch r 99

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) flying over French aircraft carrier FS Foch (R 99) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1990

 

vf-14 tophatters f-14 tomcat cvw-3

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

f-14 tomcat fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters 1989

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

f-14 tomcat vf-14 tophatters

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) assigned to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1989

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron us navy aircrew

VF-14 aircrew - 1988/89 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

vf-14 tophatters f-14 tomcat nas fallon nevada

F-14A Tomcat - NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1988

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron fitron

VF-14 aircrew - 1986 (NNAM)

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1986

 

vf-14 tophatters f-14 tomcat cvw-3 uss john f. kennedy cv 67

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1986

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1986

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 1986

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 1986

 

vf-14 tophatters cvw-3 uss john f. kennedy cv-67 exercise display determination 1986

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 1986

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-3) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 1986

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14) over NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1985 (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

F-14A Tomcats (VF-14 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - off Lebanon - 1983

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - off Lebanon - 1983

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-14 tomcat cvw-6 uss independence cv 62 lebanon

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - off Lebanon - 1983

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-14 tomcat carrier air wing cvw-6 nas fallon nevada

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-6) assigned to USS Independence (CV 62) over NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1981 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters f-14 tomcat sovjet tupolev tu-95rt bear d

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) intercepts a Sovjet Tupolev Tu-95RT Bear D - 1977

 

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1975

 

vf-14 tophatters carrier air wing cvw-1 uss john f. kennedy cv 67

F-14A Tomcat (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1975

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters fitron us navy f-14 tomcat

undated (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

undated (NNAM)

 

undated (NNAM)

 

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-4b phantom carrier air wing cvw-1 uss john f. kennedy cva 67

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1973 (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters cvw-1 uss john f. kennedy cva 67

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1973 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1973 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1971 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1971 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - undated (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f-4b phantom cvw-1 uss john f. kennedy cva 67

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968-70 (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters fitron f-4b phantom

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968-70

 

f-4b phantom vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron cvw-1

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968-70 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968 (NNAM)

 

mcdonnell douglas f-4b phantom vf-14 tophatters

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) flying over USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-4b phantom cvw-1

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1968 (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) - 1968 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters f-4b phantom carrier air wing cvw-1 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1966

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II’s (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

F-4B Phantom II (VF-14 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron f-3b demon cvw-1 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

F-3B Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1962-63

 

vf-14 tophatters f3h demon mcdonnell

F3H Demon (VF-14) - 1963 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f3h demon crash uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) crash aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1963 (NNAM)

 

f3h demon vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron carrier air group cvg-1 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42 1961

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1961 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1961 (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f3h-2 demon

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1960 (NNAM)

 

f3h demon fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters cvg-1 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva-42 1959

F3H Demons (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1959

 

F3H Demons (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1958 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters f3h demon carrier air group cvg-1 uss forrestal cva 59

F3H Demons (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - 1957 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters f3h demon

F3H Demons (VF-14) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

mcdonnell f3h demon vf-14 tophatters uss forrestal cva 59

F3H Demons (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - 1956 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

f3h demon vf-14

F3H Demon (VF-14) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

F3H Demon (VF-14) - circa 1956 (NNAM)

 

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron douglas f3d-2 skyknight

F3D-2 Skyknight (VF-14 / ATG-201) embarked on USS Intrepid (CV 11) - 1954 (NNAM)

 

fighter squadron vf-14 tophatters f3d-2 skyknight atg-201 uss intrepid cv 11

F3D-2 Skyknight (VF-14 / ATG-201) assigned to USS Intrepid (CV 11) - circa 1954 (NNAM)

 

f3d-2 skyknight vf-14 atg-201 uss intrepid cv-11

F3D-2 Skyknight (VF-14 / ATG-201) assigned to USS Intrepid (CV 11) - circa 1954 (NNAM)

 

vf-14 tophatters douglas f3d skyknight atg-201 uss intrepid cv 11

F3D-2 Skyknight (VF-14 / ATG-201) embarked on USS Intrepid (CV 11) - 1954 (NNAM)

 

 

history

Early years

The Tophatters began carrier operations on board the Navy's first aircraft carrier Langley in 1926. The squadron, then designated Fighter Plane Squadron One, set the record for carrier landings in a single day. Flying the TS-1, they logged 127 traps by the end of flight operations.

In 1929 the squadron was assigned to Saratoga, where it began as a fighter squadron and transitioned to a bomber squadron. Throughout the 1930s, the Tophatters flew the FB-5, F2B, F4B, F11C Goshawk, SBC Helldiver and the SB2U-1 Vindicator. In 1939, while flying the Vindicator, the Tophatters were transferred to the Atlantic Fleet and Ranger.


1940s

The Tophatters proved to be formidable foes during World War II. While on Ranger, the squadron provided air support for the invasion of North Africa in November 1942. During the four days of 8 November – November 11, the pilots destroyed 16 enemy aircraft. Flying the SBD Dauntless dive bomber, the squadron participated in the first American naval air strike against German forces in Norway's inner channel.

In November 1944, the squadron transferred to the Pacific Fleet, and participated in the Leyte Campaign while attached to Bunker Hill. After transferring to Essex, the squadron bombed fortifications on Formosa in January 1945, supported the assault on Iwo Jima in February, participated in the first naval carrier strike on Tokyo, and completed Pacific combat operations with strikes on Okinawa in early March 1945.

After the war's end VB-4 made four cruises aboard USS Tarawa (CV-40), including a world cruise between 28 September 1948 and 21 February 1949, after which the squadron was based on the U.S. East Coast. On 15 November 1946 VB-4 became Attack Squadron 1A (VA-1A), and in August 1948 the squadron was again redesignated Attack Squadron 14 (VA-14) and transitioned from the SB2C-5 to the Vought F4U-4 Corsair. In December 1949 VA-14 was redesignated Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14).


1950s

In 1951 and 1952 VF-14 made two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the modernized USS Wasp (CV-18), still flying the F4U. In 1954 VF-14 took on the role of all-weather interceptor when they transitioned to the Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight, but only made a three-months deployment aboard USS Intrepid (CVA-11) in late 1954. As the F3D proved unsuitable for carrier operations, the squadron transitioned to the McDonnell F3H-2N Demon in 1955. VF-14 made two deployments aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1957. The squadron was then re-equipped with F3H-2s. VF-14 and its parent CVG-1 were then re-assigned to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and made eight deployments to the Mediterranean Sea up to 1969.


1960s

In May 1963, the Tophatters transitioned to the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II and on 23 January 1964 they became the first Phantom squadron to operate on board the FDR. In June 1966, after moving to NAS Oceana, the Tophatters deployed to the South China Sea to conduct air strikes and support missions against military targets in North Vietnam. During this combat deployment, the squadron flew 1,688 hours on 967 combat sorties and delivered 651,624 pounds of ordnance, in addition to flying its traditional combat air patrol and fighter escort missions. The squadron distinguished itself in Olongapo and stories are still told among jeepney drivers attesting to the group's prowess in downing Mojos and San Magoo. When the FDR entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a modernization, CVW-1 and VF-14 were re-assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in 1969 and stayed with the JFK for nine deployments until 1982.


1970s

In January 1974, after four highly successful Mediterranean deployments, the squadron transitioned to the Navy's newest fighter, the Grumman F-14A Tomcat at NAS Miramar and was teamed with VF-32 as the first two Tomcat squadrons to arrive at NAS Oceana. In June 1975 the Tophatters became the first Atlantic squadron to deploy with the F-14A alongside VF-32 aboard John F. Kennedy. In October 1978, the Tophatter aircrew set an all-time F-14 flight hour record when they flew 977 hours in one month while deployed in the Mediterranean.

In 1976, VF-14 launched the 100th AIM-54 Phoenix missiles against a simulated cruise missile at a range of 32 miles (51 km), killing it at a range of 65 miles (105 km) from John F. Kennedy. During the same cruise, VF-14 intercepted a Soviet Tu-95 on 21 July. VF-14 escorted the bomber for around 45 minutes, during which the Soviet bomber made two passes over the Kennedy.


1980s


In August 1980, the Tophatters deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on the Kennedy. During this deployment, VF-14 won the Silver Anchor Award and the Battle "E" Award for combat readiness, for the second year in a row. The achievements that contributed to the awards included 3 missile firing exercises with a 100% kill ratio, first East Coast TCS installations and 26.500 accident free flying hours over the space of 8 years.

In June 1982 VF-14 was re-assigned to Carrier Air Wing 6 aboard the USS Independence (CV-62), and in July was named the "Best Fighter Squadron" for superb performance in the Fleet Fighter Air Combat Readiness Program (FFARP).

October and early November 1983 found the Tophatters logging more combat time in support of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. After playing an integral part in the liberation of Grenada from Cuban insurgents, VF-14 proceeded east to the Mediterranean to participate in contingency operations off the coast of Lebanon. In early December 1983, the Tophatters were again called upon to provide combat air support for the elements of the multi-national forces in Beirut.

On 1 April 1985, the Tophatters returned to the Kennedy, where they spent the rest of the year on a turnaround-training schedule, which included eleven detachments to various parts of the United States and Canada. Although again aboard the JFK, VF-14 was now assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3.

On 18 April 1986, the Tophatters departed for the Mediterranean once again and were extended on deployment due to the Lebanese hostage crisis. Upon their return to the United States, the Tophatters were again proclaimed the "Best Fighter Squadron" by winning the 1987 FFARP award.

In 1989, VF-14 was presented with the "Grand Slam" award in recognition of their perfect missile firing record. The squadron entered 1990 conducting workups for deployment and making portcalls in Portland, Mayport, New York City and Boston. During exercises off Puerto Rico, the Tophatters operated against French Super Etendard and F-8 Crusaders from the French Aircraft Carrier Foch (R 99).


1990s

On 10 August 1990, eight days after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the John F. Kennedy was ordered to emergency deploy to the Red Sea aboard the Kennedy to take part in Operation Desert Shield. During the months leading up to the war, the Tophatters played an integral role in enforcing the Iraqi embargo flying Combat Air Patrol and standing alert duty continuously. On the morning of 17 January 1991, the Tophatters once again flew into combat when they joined United Nations forces in the air assault on Iraq. VF-14 and VF-32 flew Combat Air Patrol and Fighter Escort missions for CVW-3 strike and support aircraft throughout Desert Storm operating in Western and Central Iraq initially and then conducting long range barrier CAP missions in eastern Iraq near the Iranian border.with other Tomcat squadrons from the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf that lasted an unprecedented 7–8 hours. After combat operations ended, the Kennedy remained briefly in the Red Sea stopping off the coast of Egypt for a portcall before returning to NAS Oceana after eight months at sea.

In December 1991, VF-14 became one of the first squadrons to begin training for the Tomcat's new air-to-ground mission. After low altitude flight training and several strike-related schools, the Tophatters put their new skills to the test during Air Wing work-ups in Fallon, Nevada.

In October 1992, the Tophatters again headed east for a Mediterranean deployment. Once past the Rock of Gibraltar, VF-14 began flying air superiority and reconnaissance missions in the Adriatic Sea in support of UN policies in the former Yugoslavia. During this deployment, the Tophatters also participated in several highly successful exercises with Egypt, Morocco and Turkey, while continuing to support operations off the coast of the former Yugoslavia and Operation Provide Comfort in Iraq.

In 1995, the Tophatters were the test bed for the Tomcat air-to-ground rockets program. The Tophatters, which like to call themselves the "Oldest and the Boldest," were awarded the Fighter Fling Banner Blaster award for their superior performance in the air-to-air gunnery arena.

In late 1995, the squadron was detached from CVW-3 when the Navy began reducing the number of Tomcat squadrons to carrier air wings from two to one and retaining the TARPS capable squadrons. As a non-TARPS squadron, VF-14 was originally slated for disestablishment and temporarily assigned to Fighter Wing One at NAS Oceana. The following year saw much uncertainty for many Tomcat squadrons, but a grassroots campaign to continue the lineage of the Navy's oldest squadron was successful in saving the Tophatters from extinction and the squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8, which was losing VF-84, with sister squadron VF-41.

In January 1996, the Tophatters once again rejoined the John F. Kennedy. In March, the squadron deployed on the John C. Stennis. June took the Tophatters on a 40-day cruise aboard the Kennedy to Ireland and England. Next, VF-14 visited the Mediterranean and other areas.

During March 1998, VF-14 changed its home to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the Theodore Roosevelt. In 1999, the Tophatters were involved in NATO's Operation Allied Force and in Operation Southern Watch.


2000s

In April 2001, VF-14 embarked on their final F-14 cruise on board USS Enterprise (CVN-65), supporting Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. As the carrier headed for home and on its way to South Africa they were given order to head to the North Persian Gulf after the September 11 attacks. The USS Enterprise/CVW-8 had been elected to be the night carrier during OEF and thus didn't see action until 8 October, VF-14 attacked a radar warning installation near Kabul during CVW-8's initial strike, which had been envisioned to have a section of F/A-18s, a section of F-14s from VF-14 and an EA-6B from VAQ-141, but due to insufficient fuel available for the Hornets, only the F-14s and the EA-6B pressed on. After their return to the US in November, VF-14 had dropped 173,324 lbs of ordnance (174 laser-guided bombs), VF-14 also buddy-lased 28 AGM-65 and 23 laser-guided bombs.

After their last F-14 cruise VF-14 and VF-41 relocated to NAS Lemoore and began the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet switching to CVW-11 and USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

 

source: wikipedia

 

patches

 

vf-14 tophatters fighter squadron patch badge insignia crest

 

 

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