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U.S. NAVY F-14 Tomcat Arctic Time Baby Patch by COMMANDO
The U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat Arctic Time Baby morale patch commemorates the colourful squadron culture of Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), better known as the Sundowners. Its nickname refers to the squadron's long association with naval fighter operations, while its Felix-themed artwork reflects the humour and traditions that developed among its personnel.
The story behind this particular patch is linked to an unusually cold spell experienced by the squadron during operations. The Felix design became an informal morale patch associated with those conditions and was worn on the right shoulder of the flight suit. Such unofficial designs were an important part of naval aviation culture, allowing squadron personnel to commemorate shared experiences, deployments and the lighter moments of service life. Unlike formal squadron insignia, morale patches often captured individual events and inside stories understood by the people who wore them.
VF-111's history began in June 1956, when it was established as Attack Squadron 156 before taking on the VF-111 designation in January 1959. The Sundowners operated several generations of naval fighters, including the F11F Tiger, F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II. The squadron began transitioning to the Grumman F-14A Tomcat in 1977, with the aircraft becoming its principal fighter from 1978.
The Tomcat gave the Sundowners a powerful carrier-based fighter equipped with variable-sweep wings, advanced radar and long-range air-to-air missiles. VF-111 deployed aboard aircraft carriers including USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson, operating across the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Its later deployments included support for Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. The squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1995, bringing its long operational history to an end.
This COMMANDO morale patch is a distinctive collectible connected to the Sundowners, their F-14 Tomcat era and the personal traditions of naval aviation. It will appeal to military patch collectors, F-14 enthusiasts and those interested in the history of U.S. Navy fighter squadrons.
Features
- U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat aviation-themed morale patch
- Associated with Fighter Squadron 111, the Sundowners
- Features the squadron's Felix-themed Arctic Time Baby design
- Commemorates an unusually cold period during squadron operations
- Reflects the informal patch traditions of naval aviation personnel
- Connected to the Sundowners' F-14 Tomcat service from 1977–1995
- Suitable for military aviation memorabilia and patch collections
Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0070
Patch Type: Military aviation morale patch
Attachment: Sew-on
Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.5 cm
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008880
An interesting piece of U.S. Navy aviation memorabilia, preserving a small but characterful part of the Sundowners' F-14 Tomcat history.
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Express Shipping Time - (1 business day for Metropolitan, 1-3 business days for all other locations)
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