The “Flying Checkmates” of VF-211 flew the F-14A Tomcat from NAS Oceana, VA. They traced their roots to VB-74, established in May 1945, but acquired their designation in March 1959. They received their F-14As at Miramar in December 1975 after having operated the F-8J Crusaders for many years. The maiden Tomcat flight was 23 December 1975. She was attached to CVW-9 aboard the USS Stennis (CVN-74). This is a commemorative patch created for the “FIGHTING CHECKMATES” Final F-14 cruise….found these in a collection and are in VERY SMALL numbers….only a dozen+ of them, so they will go fast. This patch does not come with velcro attached.
