Squadron's History
The “Red Rippers” were commissioned in 1927 as Fighter Squadron (VF) 5 in the earliest days of naval aviation and proudly hold the distinction of being the Navy’s oldest continuously active fighter squadron. The squadron began its storied heritage in Hampton Roads, Virginia, flying the Curtiss F6C-3 Hawk aircraft. Since then, the Red Rippers have served in both theaters of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and in operations Provide Comfort, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Resolute Support. From the decks of the USS Langley (CV 1), America’s first aircraft carrier, to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), the squadron’s legacy has been firmly written into naval aviation history.
1927–1930s
Established on Feb. 1, 1927, in Hampton Roads as VF-5, the Red Rippers flew early fighter aircraft including the Grumman FF-1 and F3F-1, and the Boeing F3B-1 and F4B-1 aircraft. During the squadron’s first deployment to London in 1927, the Rippers adopted their “Boar’s Head” insignia from a Gordon’s Gin label. Official permission to use the symbol was granted in 1959, and the original letter remains in squadron spaces. Through the 1930s, the squadron’s designation changed frequently—VF-5, VF-5S, VF-5B, Bombing Squadron (VB) 1B, and eventually VF-4—to reflect evolving missions.
1940s–1950s
VF-4 was redesignated VF-41 on March 15, 1940, prior to supporting the Allied invasion of North Africa. Flying the F4F-3 Wildcat aircraft beginning in November 1942, the squadron downed 14 Vichy French aircraft. In September 1943, the Red Rippers conducted the first air strikes against German forces in Norway. Later that year, they returned to the VF-4 designation during West Coast operations aboard USS Bunker Hill (CV 17) and USS Essex (CV 9). In the Pacific, flying the F6F Hellcat aircraft the squadron took part in strikes against Tokyo and earned four Presidential Unit Citations from 1944 to 1945.
After World War II, the squadron was redesignated VF-1A in 1946 and finally VF-11 on Aug. 2, 1948. VF-11 entered the Jet Age flying the McDonnell F2H Banshee aircraft. During the Korean War, VF-11 flew the Banshee from USS Kearsarge (CV 33), later deploying aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) during the Suez Crisis and aboard USS Essex (CVA 9). In 1956, while at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, all VF-11 pilots earned the Navy “E” for weapons delivery accuracy, and the squadron successfully tested the “over-the-shoulder” nuclear delivery technique. From July to August 1958, the squadron supported Marine landings in Lebanon before returning to the east coast.
1960s–1970s
On April 29, 1960, the squadron’s insignia gained its traditional nickname when ten baby pigs wandered onto the runway at NAS Cecil Field during field carrier landing practice. One pig was adopted and reportedly named after the commanding officer, Cmdr. J. Arnold.
Throughout the 1960s, VF-11 operated aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42), supported efforts to stabilize the Dominican Republic in 1961, and became the first operational squadron to receive the Vought F8U-2NE Crusader aircraft in 1962. After later transitioning to the F-8D and then the F-4B Phantom aircraft, VF-11 pioneered fleet use of in-flight recorders. In 1967, the squadron flew combat missions over North Vietnam from USS Forrestal (CV 59). A VF-11 crew logged the ship’s 26,000th catapult shot shortly before a catastrophic fire cut the deployment short. The squadron lost 47 Sailors—one-third of the casualties aboard.
Throughout the 1970s, VF-11 conducted Mediterranean deployments. In 1975, flying the F-4J aircraft aboard the refurbished Forrestal, the squadron executed near-daily intercepts of Russian-Egyptian Tupolev Tu-16 Badgers, earning a Battle “E” and commendations from Vice Adm. Frederick Turner, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.
Former Red Ripper Capt. Richard Gordon Jr. continued the squadron’s legacy as the Apollo 12 Command Module pilot. Selected to walk on the Moon during the later-cancelled Apollo 18, he logged 315 hours in space, including three hours of Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
1980s–1990s
VF-11 transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat aircraft in 1980 and saw its first Tomcat combat in 1983 over Lebanon, where the squadron engaged eight Syrian MiGs and survived multiple Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) engagements. VF-11 earned the Battle “E,” Safety “S,” and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its actions.
The squadron deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and later returned to the Forrestal, earning additional Battle “E” and Clifton Awards in 1986. The squadron remained with the Forrestal until 1991, earning a Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation.
In 1992, VF-11 moved to NAS Miramar and transitioned to the F-14D Super Tomcat aircraft. Deploying aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the squadron supported operation Southern Watch and later escorted B-52s aircraft during operation Desert Strike. VF-11 aircrews began Forward Air Controller training and received upgraded mission computers enabling air-to-ground employment.
Returning to NAS Oceana in 1996, VF-11 joined Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and transitioned to the F-14B Tomcat aircraft, earning another Battle “E” and Clifton Award in 1997. In 1998, the squadron deployed on the maiden global cruise of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of operation Southern Watch, and was recognized as the Atlantic Fleet’s Most Capable Air-to-Air Squadron for three consecutive years.
2000s–2010
In 2000, the Red Rippers deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of operations in Kosovo and Iraq during operation Southern Watch, becoming the first squadron to drop ordnance in combat from Eisenhower. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, VF-11 launched all airborne aircraft from USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) within seven hours to provide homeland defense.
The squadron deployed five months later in support of operation Enduring Freedom, employing the first Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) from F-14s in combat. In 2004, VF-11 supported operation Iraqi Freedom aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), again earning recognition as the Atlantic Fleet’s Most Capable Air-to-Air Squadron. In 2005, VF-11 transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and became Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11.
In November 2007, VFA-11 deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) with CVW-3, leading the air wing in ordnance expended during operation Iraqi Freedom. On Sept. 30, 2008, the squadron joined CVW-1.
2010s–2022
In 2011, VFA-11 deployed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, delivering the Navy’s first GBU-54(v2) Laser JDAM and completing Enterprise’s 300,000th catapult shot. The squadron returned to Enterprise in 2012 for its final deployment, earning two Top Hook awards and the Golden Wrench Award.
In 2015, VFA-11 deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of operation Inherent Resolve. In 2018, the squadron again deployed aboard the Truman to the Arctic Circle, Mediterranean, and Adriatic Sea, proving the Dynamic Force Employment model. From 2019 to 2020, VFA-11 supported operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support while conducting contingency missions in response to Iranian hostilities, all while maintaining readiness through the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 2021 to 2022, the Red Rippers deployed to the Mediterranean Sea supporting U.S. 6th Fleet and NATO, contributing to Enhanced Air Policing and Enhanced Vigilance Activities.
2022–Present
During the 2024–2025 deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), VFA-11 returned from combat operations in the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility in June 2025. Across this demanding deployment, the squadron employed more than 300,000 pounds of air-to-surface ordnance and 14 air-to-air missiles in support of operations Poseidon Archer and Rough Rider. The Red Rippers upheld their “World Famous” legacy by conducting deliberate strikes into Houthi-controlled Yemen and demonstrating superior tactical performance throughout the deployment.