History
Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114), known as the “Aardvarks,” was established on September 1, 1950, at Naval Air Station Miramar as the VF-193 “Ghost Riders” before being redesignated as VF-114 in March 1955. The unit began operating with F8F Bearcats before the jet age took hold, where they transferred over to the F9F Panthers and later swept-wing F9F Cougars. Operating from frontline fleet carriers such as the USS Philippine Sea, USS Oriskany, and USS Bon Homme Richard, the squadron built its foundational expertise in carrier qualifications, tactical formations, and Cold War-era fleet defense across the Pacific.
The Aardvarks eventually were drawn into the Vietnam War, flying multiple combat tours from Yankee Station aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as part of Carrier Air Wing 11. Initially flying the F-4B and subsequently upgrading to the advanced F-4J in 1970, VF-114 specialized in both combat air patrols to intercept North Vietnamese MiG threats and vital escort duties for strike packages pushing deep into heavily defended enemy airspace. Known visually by their distinctive orange stripes along the fuselage and their sharp tactical markings, the squadron amassed an impressive combat record that included multiple Navy Unit Commendations and campaign participation medals.
Following the conclusion of the Vietnam conflict, VF-114 entered its final era by transitioning to the Grumman F-14A Tomcat in October 1976. Operating aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the Aardvarks paired the Tomcat’s AIM-54 Phoenix and powerful radar with their seasoned tactical skills. During global deployments spanning the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea, the squadron regularly intercepted and shadowed Soviet maritime patrol and bomber aircraft, protecting carrier battle groups at the height of the Cold War until the squadron’s eventual disestablishment in April 1993
SOURCES
www.anft.net/f-14/f14-squadron-vf114.htm
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/kitty-hawk-cva-63-ii.html
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