Description

VF-51 Screaming Eagles Squadron Patch – Hook and Loop

A 4″ with Hook and Loop Squadron Patch of the VF-51 Screaming Eagles.

• 4 inch patch
• Embroidered with Hook and Loop backing
• US Veteran Owned Business

VF-51, Fighter Squadron 51 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy known as the “Screaming Eagles”. Originally established as VF-1 on February 1, 1943, redesignated as VF-5 on July 15, 1943, redesignated as VF-5A on November 15, 1946, redesignated VF-51 on August 16, 1948 and disestablished in March 1995.

Popular media

In 1985, VF-51 was one of several NAS Miramar based squadrons to participate in the filming of Top Gun. Some VF-51 and VF-111 aircraft were repainted in fictitious squadron markings for the film. To be able to film the sequences, the F-14s were fitted with cameras mounted in pods attached to the underbelly Phoenix pallets and the under wing pylons, as well as using ground mounted cameras. Late in the film, Tom Skerritt’s character mentions that he flew with VF-51 off USS Oriskany with the main character’s father, and several VF-51 pilots appear in the film credits. VF-51 never flew F-4s off Oriskany, as the Phantom was too large for that carrier. Publicity photos for Top Gun: Maverick show a character with a “VFA-51” helmet bag. This is fictitious due to VF-51 being disestablished rather than transitioned to the F-18.