VF-74, Fighter Squadron 74, Be-Devilers was an aviation unit of the United States Navy in service from 1944 to 1994. [1] Originally established as VBF-20 on 16 April 1945, it was redesignated as VF-10A on 15 November 1946, redesignated as VF-92 on 12 August 1948, redesignated as VF-74 on 15 January 1950 and disestablished on 30 April 1994.

VF-74 was just as successful in peace time, winning the CNO Safety “S” in 1974 along with the Battle "E". In 1975, they moved to CVW-8 and took part in the maiden cruise of USS Nimitz. In 1976 they won the Admiral Joseph Clifton Award, making them the top US Navy fighter squadron.

The squadron now known as VF-74 was established on the 16th of April 1944 as VBF-20, flying F4U-1 Corsair's from NAS Wildwood, New Jersey. After six months they transitioned to the F6F Hellcat, but very quickly changed from Hellcats to F8F Bearcats. While flying the F8F the squadron was redesignated as VF-10A on the 15th of November 1946.

FIGHTER SQUADRON 74 (VF-74) at HullNumber.com - Specs & Deployments - Crew Roster - Photos - NEW -> ALL HANDS - Internet Links - Reunion Info

FIGHTER SQUADRON 74 (VF-74) at HullNumber.com - Specs & Deployments - Crew Roster - Photos - NEW -> ALL HANDS - Internet Links - Reunion Info

Vietnam War veteran of VF-74 "Be-devilers" on display at AAM Duxford. VF-74 was first to deploy aboard USS Forrestal in 1962, earning the sobriquet "First in Phantoms". It lost men and aircraft on Yankee Station in the 1967 fire.

In March 1986, VF-74 covered the U.S. retaliatory strikes against Libya. VF-74 became the first operational fighter squadron to operate the F-14A+ (later F-14B), and introduced the aircraft into combat over Iraq and Kuwait in January 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

The squadron now known as VF-74 was established on the 16th of April 1944 as VBF-20, flying F4U-1 Corsair's from NAS Wildwood, New Jersey. After six months they transitioned to the F6F Hellcat, but very quickly changed from Hellcats to F8F Bearcats. While flying the F8F the squadron was redesignated as VF-10A on the 15th of November 1946.

Aug 15, 2012 · VF-74 Hellcat pilots are briefed for a ground attack mission over southern France while sitting in the Ready Room on board the USS Kasaan Bay in August 1944 during Operation Dragoon. Photo Credit: US Navy

Apr 18, 2017 · VF-74 was one of just three Navy fighter squadrons to fly combat in Europe, the wolfhounds were formed at NAS Norfolk in March 1944. They boarded Kasaann Bay in June, bound for the Mediterranean to support the Anglo-American invasion of southern France.