During WWII, the ‘battle worn’ look of a pilot’s jacket was a visual reflection of his courage and bravery. Recreating this effect, the "100 Mission" jacket is crafted using antique lambskin which features purposely made surface irregularities and natural graining to recreate a weather-beaten appearance. With continued wear, the color of the leather will lighten and its texture will become richer, adding to the vintage characteristics of the jacket. The ‘100 Mission’ jacket is manufactured according to A-2 military specified detailing and does not contain fiberfill or bulky insulation, making it suitable for all seasons and particularly perfect for warmer climates. The jacket boasts side entry hand warming pockets, an interior pocket and a woven “equipment label” sewn into the lining. Made in the USA of imported leather.

• Antique lambskin leather
• Silky lining with woven equipment label
• Snap down collar
• Front zipper under wind flap
• Two front flap snap pockets
• Side entry pockets
• An interior pocket
• Knit cuffs and waistband
• This is a regular fit jacket  
• Proudly made in the USA.

The Type A-2 flying jacket was officially standardized by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1927, as the successor to the Type A-1 flying jacket. The military specification number for Type A-2 is 94-3040, Drawing Number 31-1415, but spec. labels found in the jackets themselves show this to be 30-1415.

The A-2 was traditionally awarded to an Army Air Forces officer upon completion of basic flight training, and always before graduating to advanced training. The informal standard system of distribution was airmen lining up in front of boxes containing jackets of various sizes and handed out by the base Quartermaster.

The flight jacket became a treasured item to all airmen, and was worn with as much pride as their wings. During their service, crews often added and removed squadron patches, rank marks, mission markings and occasionally painted artwork depicting the type of aircraft they flew, or the Nose Art painted on their aircraft.

We are proud to offer a limited edition re-issue of an original variant of the A-2 Air Army Force pilot's jacket introduced as official uniform wear in 1931 and permitted to be made of goatskin even though the original specifications called for horsehide with goatskin as an alternative. We offer this recreation of the goatskin alternative because we believe that both leathers provide a good historical perspective on this iconic jacket. Our jacket is unique because it is made of veg tanned goatskin as were the originals that were made during the 1930’s and 40’s. We then use our specially developed process to gently age the leather to give it the look and patina of hundreds of hours of flight time in the cockpit as it would have been used before and during World War 2.

Features include side and top entry pockets with snap close flap, knit cuffs and waistband, side entry pockets were a sometime custom feature added by the pilots themselves for convenience. Proudly made in the USA.

• Vegetable tanned goatskin leather
• Silky lining
• Snap down collar
• Front zipper under wind flap
• Two front flap snap pockets
• Side entry pockets
• Two interior pockets
• Knit cuffs and waistband
• This is a regular fit jacket
• Available in brown
• Proudly made in the USA.

The Type A-2 flying jacket was officially standardized by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1927, as the successor to the Type A-1 flying jacket. The military specification number for Type A-2 is 94-3040, Drawing Number 31-1415, but spec. labels found in the jackets themselves show this to be 30-1415.

The A-2 was traditionally awarded to an Army Air Forces officer upon completion of basic flight training, and always before graduating to advanced training. The informal standard system of distribution was airmen lining up in front of boxes containing jackets of various sizes and handed out by the base Quartermaster.

The flight jacket became a treasured item to all airmen, and was worn with as much pride as their wings. During their service, crews often added and removed squadron patches, rank marks, mission markings and occasionally painted artwork depicting the type of aircraft they flew, or the Nose Art painted on their aircraft.

The sheepskin B-3 was first issued to bomber pilots in early WWII. To protect them from cold weather situations while flying high altitudes in open cockpits the B-3 quickly proved to be one of the military’s favorite. The Women’s B3 Bomber Jacket is an accurate replication of this classic style used during the war, now tailored especially for women.

• Soft supple double-faced Shearling
• Leather welted seems
• Brass belted collar
• Waist straps for extra warmth
• Two front pockets
• This is a slim fit jacket
• Available in brown
• Proudly made in the USA.

According to comments made by the Air Force pilots who requested practical modifications of the original re-issue 1987 version of the A-2 flight jacket, the Official USAF 21st Century A-2 is a contemporary version of the original classic Government Issue jacket. The 21st Century A-2 is tailored to serve present-day pilot requirements, while retaining all the authentic charm of the original making it perfect for every day wear. This jacket is also available in long sizes.

• Deluxe military spec goatskin leather
• Mil spec cotton blend tonal lining
• Snap down collar
• Brass front zipper under wind flap
• Two front flap snap pockets
• Side entry pockets
• Two interior pockets
• Knit cuffs and waistband
• This is a regular fit jacket
• Available in black or brown
• Proudly made in the USA.

The Type A-2 flying jacket was officially standardized by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1927, as the successor to the Type A-1 flying jacket. The military specification number for Type A-2 is 94-3040, Drawing Number 31-1415, but spec. labels found in the jackets themselves show this to be 30-1415.

The A-2 was traditionally awarded to an Army Air Forces officer upon completion of basic flight training, and always before graduating to advanced training. The informal standard system of distribution was airmen lining up in front of boxes containing jackets of various sizes and handed out by the base Quartermaster.

The flight jacket became a treasured item to all airmen, and was worn with as much pride as their wings. During their service, crews often added and removed squadron patches, rank marks, mission markings and occasionally painted artwork depicting the type of aircraft they flew, or the Nose Art painted on their aircraft.

Our limited edition vintage aviation clothing undergo a special aging and weathering process that gives the look of being printed in a Quonset hut, faded by the tropical sun and flown fifty missions. Much like an old flight jacket, they will only become more comfortable, faded and treasured with each passing day and each passing flight.

Printed on very high quality garment dyed fabric, pre shrunk 6.1 ounce heavy weight cotton. ¾ ribbed collar with double-needle top stitched neckline. Double needle stitched armhole,  and waist hems. Taped neck shoulder to shoulder.

Our limited edition vintage aviation clothing undergo a special aging and weathering process that gives the look of being printed in a Quonset hut, faded by the tropical sun and flown fifty missions. Much like an old flight jacket, they will only become more comfortable, faded and treasured with each passing day and each passing flight.

Printed on very high quality garment dyed fabric, pre shrunk 6.1 ounce heavy weight cotton. Set in Sleeves. ¾ ribbed collar with double-needle top stitched neckline. Double needle stitched armhole, sleeve and waist hems. Taped neck shoulder to shoulder.

VF-103 Jolly Rogers F-14 Tomcat

The F-14 Tomcat, with its swept wings and twin-tail is a US Naval Interceptor which rose to an iconic level during its service, and like all Grumman aircraft before her, she carried a feline name. The name, "Tomcat", was partially chosen to pay tribute to Admiral Thomas Connolly (Admiral Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare) as the nickname, "Tom's Cat", had already been widely used by the manufacturer. In the end, the name stuck. The F-14 made its first deployment in 1974 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), replacing the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Nicknamed the “Turkey” due to the movement of its control surfaces as it approached the deck, the F-14 is unquestionably one of the most famous and loved aircraft in Naval Aviation history.

One of many squadrons selected to fly the mighty F-14, is Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) which was established in 1952 and is currently based in NAS Oceana, Virginia. The Squadron carries the call sign “Victory” and is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven. The first incarnation of the Jolly Roger was established on January 1, 1943 at NAS Norfolk, as VF-17, flying the F4U Corsair. Inspired by the fact that the Corsair name was derived from the French Privateers or better known as Pirates, VF-17's commanding officer Tommy Blackburn selected the Jolly Roger as the squadron's insignia. 

The VF-103 originally carried the markings of a cloverleaf and baseball bat. The bat was added due to an early skipper who carried one with him regularly. VF-103 adopted the Jolly Roger after VF-84 was disestablished , all the aircraft were repainted with ominous all-black tails and black bands with gold chevrons painted on the side of the forward fuselage.

The Jolly Rogers continue a long-standing tradition of “passing the bones” to the new members of the squadron (FNGs). The skull-and-crossbones encased in glass, known simply as “Ernie” is the remains of Ensign Jack Ernie of VF-17. During a fierce battle over Okinawa, Ensign Jack Ernie was attempting to disengage from a fight due to loss of oil pressure. He was jumped by two Japanese Zeros and fought valiantly, even managing to splash one with his crippled Corsair, but was shortly overcome by the second Zero. As his F-4U Corsair plunged towards the sea, Ensign Ernie managed to make one last transmission: “Skipper, I can’t get out, remember me with Jolly Rogers.”

After a last deployment ”Last time baby” on John F. Kennedy with Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and returning to NAS Oceana in December 2004, VF-103 gave up their F-14B Tomcats and began transition to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and transfer to Carrier Air Wing Seven. The squadron was officially re-designated as VFA-103.

Our limited edition vintage aviation clothing undergo a special aging and weathering process that gives the look of being printed in a Quonset hut, faded by the tropical sun and flown fifty missions. Much like an old flight jacket, they will only become more comfortable, faded and treasured with each passing day and each passing flight.

Printed on very high quality garment dyed fabric, pre shrunk 6.1 ounce heavy weight cotton. Set in Sleeves. ¾ ribbed collar with double-needle top stitched neckline. Double needle stitched armhole, sleeve and waist hems. Taped neck shoulder to shoulder.

On June 3rd, 1942, the original Grim Reapers was activated as VF-10 at NAS San Diego.  Flying the F4F Wildcat, and were initially deployed on the carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) to the Southern Pacific.  

Once retuning to mainland US, The Grim Reapers transitioned into the F6F-3 Hellcat and redeployed onboard the USS Enterprise to the Pacific Theater.  During their second deployment, VF-10 engaged in various operations including the Marshall Islands Jaluit, Emirau, Western Caroline Islands, Hollandia, Truk Lagoon, and lastly, theBattle of the Philippine Sea, more famously known as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot”.

In May, 1952, VF-101 was commissioned and assumed the name and markings of the original Reaper squadron. Equipped with the FG-1D Corsair fighter, the Grim Reapers were deployed to the Korean War.  

In April 1958, the Grim Reapers became part of the Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing 4, and ceased to be a deployable squadron.

1994,the Grim Reapers were moved to NAS Oceana, and the disestablishment of VF-124 made the Grim Reapers the sole F-14 fleet replacement  squadron in the US Navy. As F-14 squadrons began to transition to new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, VF-101 mission began to diminish. On September 30th, 2005, VF-101was disestablished at a ceremony at NAS Oceana, and the Tomcat was retired. 

On May first, 2012, the Grim Reapers was redesigned as Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101), moved to Eglin Air Force Base, and was reactivated as a Fleet Replacement Squadron training on the carrier capable variant of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter(JSF)