US NAVY VA-165 Jo Pirates Patch by COMMANDO

The COMMANDO US NAVY VA-165 Jo Pirates Patch commemorates the history of Attack Squadron 165, a United States Navy carrier-based attack squadron known as the "Boomers". The squadron served for 36 years, undertaking operations across the Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Its history includes extensive combat service during the Vietnam War and a long association with the Grumman A-6 Intruder.

The History of VA-165

Attack Squadron 165 was established on 1 September 1960. Initially equipped with the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, the squadron began its operational career flying from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. In 1967, it transitioned to the Grumman A-6 Intruder, a twin-engine, all-weather attack aircraft designed to deliver precision strikes in challenging conditions.

VA-165 became heavily involved in the Vietnam War. Its aircraft conducted missions over Vietnam and Laos, attacking military installations, transport routes and logistical targets. In 1972, the squadron participated in Operation Freedom Train and Operation Linebacker I, major US air campaigns against North Vietnamese targets. These operations placed significant demands on carrier-based aircrews and the aircraft they operated.

The squadron also became involved in regional security operations beyond Vietnam. In January 1968, while embarked aboard USS Ranger, VA-165 was redirected to the Sea of Japan following North Korea's seizure of the USS Pueblo. The squadron later operated in the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean and waters near Central America. In 1981, VA-165 became the first operational A-6 squadron to deploy with the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, extending its capability against surface vessels.

During the 1980s, the squadron continued operating the A-6E Intruder, including deployments aboard USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Nimitz. In 1988, its aircraft participated in Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.

VA-165 was disestablished on 30 September 1996, bringing the squadron's 36-year history to a close. Its legacy remains part of the wider history of US Navy carrier aviation and the A-6 Intruder community.

The Jo Pirates Patch

The Jo Pirates design is presented as a morale patch associated with VA-165. The squadron's established nickname was the Boomers, and its documented official insignia evolved during the early 1960s. The later insignia featured a green boomerang, a compass star and a white knight chess piece. These elements represented the squadron's ability to strike and return, its worldwide operational commitments and its versatility.

The Jo Pirates patch offers a separate collectible interpretation of the squadron's identity and naval aviation heritage. It is a fitting addition to collections relating to US Navy attack aviation, the Vietnam War and the Grumman A-6 Intruder.

Features

• Commemorates US Navy Attack Squadron VA-165
• Recognises the squadron's 36 years of service from 1960 to 1996
• Associated with the VA-165 Jo Pirates morale patch design
• Celebrates the squadron's Vietnam War combat history
• References the squadron's long association with the A-6 Intruder
• Suitable for US Navy aviation and military memorabilia collections

Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0052
Design: US NAVY VA-165 Jo Pirates
Squadron: Attack Squadron 165
Dimensions: 115 x 105 mm
Attachment: Sew-on
Barcode / GTIN: 9357994008705

The COMMANDO US NAVY VA-165 Jo Pirates Patch is a tribute to a distinguished naval attack squadron and the generations of aircrew who served aboard America's aircraft carriers during a significant period of modern naval aviation history.