VF-102 Diamondbacks 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-102 Diamondbacks Navy Patch!

4" patch
Embroidered
US Naval Aviator Owned Business
Sew On/Iron On
Reproduction

By US Navy Public Domain,

Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102), the DIAMONDBACKS were established on July 1, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida. The first aircraft to carry the distinctive DIAMONDBACK markings was the McDonnell F2H Banshee, a twin-engine fighter-bomber with four 20 mm internal cannons.
The DIAMONDBACKS' inaugural deployment took place onboard the USS RANDOLPH (CV 15) in July 1956. After this deployment, the squadron transitioned to the Douglas F-4D-1 Skyray. This aircraft carried the new AIM-9B Sidewinder missile in addition to internal cannons. The squadron's outstanding performance in the Skyray resulted in their entry into the 1958 "All Navy Weapons Meet."
After a final deployment with the Skyray onboard the USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) in 1960, the DIAMONDBACKS moved to NAS Oceana, Virginia and transitioned to the F-4B Phantom. The Mach 2 capable, two seat aircraft consisted of a pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and carried only air-to-air missiles. This marked the beginning of a 20 year association with the Phantom. Highlights of this period include participation in Operation SEA ORBIT, the first Nuclear Task Force circumnavigation onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), winner of the Battle Efficiency ("E") Award in 1964 and 1966, combat operations off the coast of Vietnam in 1968, a Meritorious Unit Citation in 1970 for the Jordanian Crisis Deployment and cross deck operations onboard the H.M.S. ROYAL in 1975 and 1978.
The DIAMONDBACKS bade farewell to the Phantom in June of 1981 and transitioned to the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. The Tomcat's design provided the pilot and RIO with a formidable air-to-air radar and