VFA-14 Tophatters

Posted by Jolly on June 16, 2012

The Tophatters from VFA-14 are the Navy's oldest active Fighter Squadron.  The Tophatters were formed in 1919, and currently fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet from NAS Lemoore.  The Tophatters began carrier operations on the Navy's first aircraft carrier, USS Langley, in 1926. The Tophatters have a proud history and have served in multiple Wars beginning with the F-4U Corsair in WW II. VFA-14 Flew the F-4B Phantom from the FDR during Vietnam and were one of the first Navy squadrons to transition to the new F-14 Tomcat in 1974 aboard the USS John F. Kennedy.  

Tophatters flew combat missions from the Kennedy during both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  They were one of the first squadrons to transition Tomcats to their new Air-to-Ground role in 1991. VFA-14 moved to the USS Theodore Roosevelt where they participated in both Operation Southern Watch, and later Operation Enduring Freedom following the attacks on September 11th.  

After their final Tomcat cruise, the Tophatters moved to NAS Lemoore and transitioned to the new F/A-18E Super Hornet on board the USS Nimitz.  They flew combat sorties in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003 from the Nimitz. VFA-14 then moved to the Navy's newest carrier, The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).  They returned to OIF in 2005 and flew over 2100 combat sorties.  

The Tophatters of VFA-14 have a long and illustrious career, and FU is proud to highlight them as a Kickass Fighter Squadron!  Here's a video clip found on You Tube featuring some Super Hornet flying with the Tophatters.  A little AC/DC with things blowing up, and Tophatter Super Hornets.  Does it get more Kickass than that?

Don't Forget to get your very cool Tophatter gear in the FU Store!

Check out the FU Gucci Store for your Tophatter Garb and our new FU Embroidered Wings on Golf Shirt

Don't forget about our Original Store for great Tophatter shirts and cool golf shirts

FU GUCCI STORE - Customize Your FU Gear

If you have a specific design combination you want, just e-mail us at Jolly@fighterpilotuniversity.com and we will get it loaded up for you.  Additionally, there will always be discounts if you have a large order.  Before placing your order, call our vendor at 1-888-8ZAZZLE (892-9953) or (408) 983-2800 to see if there are any discounts available.

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