Description

VF-31 / VFA-31 Tomcatters Squadron Patch – Sew On

Aviators! Are you looking for a high-quality patch you’ll proudly wear or display? Look no further than the VF-31 / VFA-31 Tomcatters Patch!

• 4 inch
• Embroidered
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business
• Sew On
• Plastic Backing (increases rigidity; the patch lasts longer and stays flat)
• Reproduction

VF/VFA-31 Tomcatters

Strike Fighter Squadron THREE ONE is the second oldest active US Navy squadron and boasts a proud, distinguished history.  Its beginnings can be traced to the commissioning of the VF-1B Shooting Stars in July 1935, flying the F4B-4.  In 1948, VF-3 was re-designated VF-31, and adopted the current title of Tomcatters. During its distinguished history, the Tomcatters have flown a multitude of venerable aircraft including the F4B-4, F3F-2, F4F-4, F6F, F8F-1, F9F-2, F2H, F3H, F-3B, F-4B, F-4J, F-14A, F-14D and F/A-18E.

The squadron was originally known as the Shooting Stars. The original “Felix” squadron was VF-3. After the Battle of Midway, VF-3 and VF-6 swapped designations on 15 July 1943, resulting in a three-year controversy as to which squadron owned the Felix name and emblem until VF-3 was re-designated VF-3A on 15 November 1946, and awarded the official approval to adopt Felix by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). VF-3A was then re-designated VF-31 on August 7, 1948.

Several well-known aviators have flown with Felix on their shoulders, including Charles Lindbergh and Butch O’Hare.

The nickname Tomcatters was adopted in 1948.