Attack Squadron EIGHT SIX (VA-86) traces its origins to Fighter Squadron 921, based at Naval Air Station St. Louis, Missouri, during the Korean War in February 1951. In February 1953, the squadron was re-designated VF-84 while deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, aboard USS ANTIETAM (CV 36). In July 1955, the squadron was re-designated VA-86 Sidewinders. From 1955 to 1987, Sidewinders flew the F4-U “Corsair,” F8F-2 “Bearcat,” F9F-5 “Panther,” F7U-3M “Cutlass,” also known as the “Ensign Eater,” A4D-1 “Skyhawk” and A-7A/C/E “Corsair.” During these transitions, Sidewinders made numerous deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. The North Atlantic, the Western Pacific and the Indian Oceans in various aircraft carriers. This patch does come with velcro attached.
