VF-144 History: The squadron was established as U.S. Navy Reserve Fighter Squadron VF-884 on 1 November 1949, and called to active duty on 20 July 1950. It was redesignated VF-144 on 4 February 1953, and VA-52 on 23 February 1959. The squadron was nicknamed the “Bitter Birds” from about 1951–1953, and the “Knightriders” from about 1960 onward. 4 February 1953: VF-884 was redesignated VF-144 during its second combat tour in Korea aboard USS Kearsarge. In this change, the reserve squadron number was replaced by an active squadron number. 21 February 1953: VF-144 completed the last line period of its second combat tour in Korea. Its primary missions had been close air support of ground troops, interdiction of enemy main supply routes, and the destruction of military supplies, vehicles and troops. 18 August 1958: The squadron returned to NAS Miramar following USS Ranger’s first major deployment. The cruise took the squadron from Virginia to California, via Cape Horn, transferring Ranger from the Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet. This patch is also worn by “SUNDOWN” as a tribute to that squadron, and this patch does not come with velcro attached.
