Callsign “RIPPER”, the VF-11 Red Rippers transitioned from the F-4Js to the F-14A Tomcat in 1980. They were originally designated as VF-43 in September 1950, then redesignated in February 1959. They adopted the squadron insignia of the original VF-11 which was decommissioned the day prior, but even though they carry on the tradition of the insignia, they do not carry the original VF-11 lineage which dates back to February 1927. The squadron did some F-14D Tomcat Testing in the early ’90s at China Lake, so they modified their squadron patch to combine the VX-9 and VF-11 mascots….only have a few of these, found in a box in VIRGINIA BEACH and does not have velcro attached.
