VF-101 Grim Reapers Plaque

Capture the legendary Naval Aviation markings on this 14 inch wood plaque of the VF -101 Grim Reapers.

• Diameter – 14 inches
• Made from Mahogany
• US Veteran Owned Business

The use of naval aviation insignia is a modern form of heraldry that dates back to the early period of naval aviation in the 1920’s and captures many proud moments of its history. The practice fosters a sense of pride, unit cohesion and contributes to high morale, esprit de corps and professionalism within the community. It also serves as an effective means of preserving a command’s tradition, continuity of purpose and recognition, as traced through its lineage. The following rules are provided to ensure that all command insignia and slogans are in keeping with the highest traditions of the proud naval aviation heritage.

The original 1942 Grim Reapers aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CV-6)

1940’s VF-10 Grim Reapers

VF-10 Hellcats returning to the USS Enterprise in 1944

The original Grim Reapers were activated on June 3, 1942 as VF-10 at NAS San Diego flying the F4F Wildcat. The first commanding officer was James H. Flatley, who had just served in the Battle of the Coral Sea.  The Grim Reapers deployed aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) to the Southern Pacific in 1942 where they participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal.  After their return to the U.S. and NAS Sand Point they transitioned to the F6F-3 Hellcat and once again deployed to the South Pacific aboard the Enterprise. During their second combat tour, VF-10 participated in operations in the Marshall Islands, Jaluit, Emirau, the Western Caroline Islands, Hollandia, Truk Lagoon and the Battle of the Philippine Sea (a.k.a the Marianas Turkey Shoot).  The squadron then returned to the States, and transitioned to the F4U Corsair at NAS Atlantic City.  VF-101 returned to the Pacific and took part in strikes against Ryukyu Islands, Kyūshū, Okinawa and the Wake Island. Finally, VF-10 returned to NAS Alameda where it was deactivated in November 1945.

1950s VF-101

An F3D-2 of VF-101 at NAS Key West in 1958.

On May 1, 1952, VF-101 was commissioned at NAS Cecil Field, Florida.  This new squadron assumed the nickname and traditions of VF-10 and flew the FG1-D Corsair in the Korean War.  Later in 1952 VF-101 received the jet-powered F2H-1 Banshee and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.  In 1956 they transitioned to the F4D-1 Skyray, their first radar equipped aircraft. In April 1958, VF-101 was merged with the Fleet All Weather Training Unit Atlantic and began to train all weather fighter pilots on both the F4D-1 and the F3H-2 Demon.  In becoming part of the training structure, VF-101 became part of Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing 4 and ceased to be a deployable unit.

1960s

An F-4B Phantom II

In June 1960, VF-101 established “Detachment A” at NAS Oceana which operated the F4H-1 and later the F-4 Phantom. By 1963, Det A was phased out, and VF-101 was solely operating the F-4 Phantom at NAS Key West. IN May 1966, a new detachment was formed at NAS Oceana to train F-4 Pilots and Radar Intercept Officers (RIOs) in aerial refueling, carrier qualification, and conventional weapons while the Key West unit concentrated on air to air comabt, radar intercepts, and missile firing.

1970s

VF-101’s administrative command, Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing 4, was disestablished on June 1, 1970, with VF-101 shifting its command and control relationship to Fleet Air Key West.  This move lasted only a year, and the Grim Reapers moved from NAS Key West to NAS Oceana under the command of Fighter Wing One.  A detachment remained at Key West until the 2000s.
In January 1976, VF-101 began operating and instructing aircrews and maintainers in the F-14 Tomcat.  The first two Oceana F-4 squadrons, to transition to the F-14 at VF-101 began in June 1976 . In 1975 and 1976 the Grim Reapers were awarded the C