In March 1993, VF-84 deployed again on Theodore Roosevelt, the only F-14 squadron in a reconfigured airwing that included Marine F/A-18, CH-53D and UH-1N squadrons. VF-84 flew critical TARPS reconnaissance missions during Operation Deny Flight, providing information about Bosnian Serb positions around Sarajevo.

In March 1993, VF-84 deployed again on Theodore Roosevelt, the only F-14 squadron in a reconfigured airwing that included Marine F/A-18, CH-53 and UH-1 squadrons. VF-84 flew critical TARPS reconnaissance missions during Operation Deny Flight, providing information about Bosnian Serb positions around Sarajevo.

VF-84 traded their F-8Us for F-4Bs in 1964 and subsequently they had also flown the F-4J and F-4N variants of the venerable Phantom. The squadron began its transition to the F-14A in early 1976 and after the transition was complete, they embarked on their first major cruise with the new aircraft aboard USS Nitmitz (CVN-68) in December of 1977.

Most aviation enthusiasts think of VF-84 as the Jolly Rogers (see patch below), but the squadron designation and the name have not always been synonymous. It's the biggest example of the US Navy's confusion on the history of its squadrons.

Fighter Squadron SEVENTEEN's reputation in the Pacific theater was well known, and Japanese pilots feared the sight of VF-17's Skull and Crossbones emblazoned F4U Corsairs. Ensign Jack Ernie and the other squadron pilots completed their preflight briefings and headed to the flight deck of USS Bunker HIll to man their aircraft.

Jul 15, 2018 · VF-84 was to spend 1995 working up with CVW-7 and deploy with it aboard George Washington (CVN 73) in early 1996. “In anticipation of the air wing switch, we chopped to Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, in April 1994,” Cdr. Goetsch explained.

April 2001, VF-41 embarked on their final F-14 cruise aboard the USS Enterprise in support of Operation Southern Watch. While heading home, the carrier was ordered to turn around in response of the September 11 attacks (Operation Enduring Freedom).

Mar 19, 2025 · United States Navy Fighter Squadron VF-84, more famously known as the " Jolly Rogers," stands as one of the most legendary units in naval aviation history. The squadron is renowned for its distinctive skull and crossbones insignia and its remarkable achievements while flying the Grumman F-14 Tomcat during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras.

Eventually the VF-84 Jolly Rogers transitioned from the F-8 Crusader to the F-4 Phantom and finally to the F-14A Tomcat in 1975. In 1980 VF-84 participated in the motion picture The Final Countdown which propelled the skull-and-crossbones-adorned F-14’s to international stardom.

Oct 25, 2012 · When the Jolly Rogers were still equipped with the F-14 Tomcat (they now fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet) the Fighter Squadron (VF) 84, they took part in two movies.