Collection: VFA-103 Jolly Rogers

The Jolly Rogers' famous Skull and Crossbones tradition began with VF-17 during World War II. Flying the F4U Corsair in the Pacific, the original Jolly Rogers became one of the Navy's most successful fighter squadrons, credited with 154.5 aerial victories. The Jolly Rogers name and insignia were later carried by VF-84 before being adopted by VF-103 in 1995. The current squadron's official lineage dates to 1952, while it carries forward the traditions and unmistakable identity of the earlier Jolly Rogers.

VF-103 flew the F-14 Tomcat for decades, building an extensive record of carrier operations and combat service. The squadron's history included the only nighttime MiG kill by a Navy fighter during the Vietnam War, as well as later combat operations in the Middle East. VF-103 completed its final F-14B deployment in 2004, flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2005, VF-103 transitioned from the F-14B Tomcat to the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet and was redesignated VFA-103. The Jolly Rogers continue to fly the F/A-18F today, carrying forward one of the most recognizable squadron identities in Naval Aviation and the enduring legacy of the Skull and Crossbones.