VF-101 Grim Reapers
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)
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VF-103 Jolly Rogers T Shirt
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.
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Trouble Shooter
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.
In between the orchestrated chaos of the Flight Deck, lies the most complex, immaculately choreographed symphony of personnel who are the musicians that make the music possible. The Carrier Flight Deck Personnel each assigned critical duties, and each wearing the coded colour shirts that allow others to know what they are doing there. In an environment far too loud for verbal communication, and far too deadly to risk mis information, these crew members use a complex system of hand signals that turn the most dangerous place on earth, into a graceful technical ballet of professionalism and precision…..
