The Red Rippers

The Red Rippers The oldest continuously active fighter squadron in the Navy. This page is updated by the Public Affa The Rippers also flew the F8F Bearcat for a time. aircraft.

History

Three distinct squadrons have been designated VF-11, and two distinct squadrons have been known as the Red Rippers. The first VF-11 (never known as the Red Rippers) was established in 1942, was redesignated VF-111 in 1948, and was disestablished in 1959. The second VF-11, known as the Red Rippers was established in 1927 and went through numerous redesignations before being disestablished

in 1959. The third distinct squadron was established as VF-43 in 1950, was eventually redesignated VFA-11, and is the primary subject of this article. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons. The first Red Rippers
Early years

The first Navy fighter squadron known as the Red Rippers (the second VF-11) was established as VF-5 on February 1, 1927 at Hampton Roads, Virginia flying the Curtis F6C-3 Hawk. From 1927 to World War II, the Rippers flew several propeller aircraft including the Boeing F3B-1 and F4B-1, the Grumman FF-1 and F3F-1 and also held the following designations (designations tended to change based on the mission; e.g., "S" for scout, "B" for bomber): VF-5S, VF-5B, VB-1B, and VF-4.

1940s

On March 15, 1941, the Rippers were redesignated as VF-41. During World War II, they supported the Allied invasion of Northwest Africa, downing 14 Vichy French aircraft in the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat.[2], and conducted air strikes against German forces in Norway in September 1943. The Red Rippers were redesignated VF-4 when they transferred to the Pacific Theatre in August 1943 aboard USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) and USS Essex (CV-9).For the fighter-bomber mission the Hellcat was fitted with wingroot pylons ,each of which could carry a 1,000 -Ib bomb or a 'Tiny Tim' rocket. Smaller rockets were carried on three zero-length launchers on each wing, as carried on the VF-11 'Red Rippers' aircraft.In the Pacific they flew the first air strikes against Tokyo in the Grumman F6F Hellcat. In November 1946, the Red Rippers were redesignated VF-1A, and finally as VF-11 on August 2, 1948.

1950s

After World War II, VF-11 entered the jet age, flying the McDonnell F2H Banshee during the Korean War from the USS Kearsarge (CV-33). During 1956 the Red Rippers deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and in November 1956, Coral Sea covered the Suez Crisis. In January 1958, the Rippers reported aboard USS Essex (CVA-9) flying the F2H-4 Banshee. In the Mediterranean, Essex supported the Marines landing in Lebanon on July 15 until the end of August. Essex then transited the Suez Canal, operated with the U.S. Seventh Fleet, and then returned to the East Coast via the Cape of Good Hope. In 1959, VF-11 moved to NAS Jacksonville and on February 15, the original VF-11 Red Rippers were disestablished, their men and equipment being disbursed to other squadrons and activities. The second/current Red Rippers

1950s

On September 1, 1950, Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43), known as Rebel's Raiders, was commissioned at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. They moved to NAS Cecil Field on September 18, 1950, and were initially outfitted with new F4U-5N Corsair night fighters. The squadron traded its night fighters for F4U-5s (day fighters) in October 1950. The squadron's first deployment was aboard USS Oriskany (CV-34) to the Mediterranean from April–October 1951. In February 1952, the squadron transitioned to the F4U-4 and deployed to the Med aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)

In the mid-50s, the squadron transitioned to the F9F-8 Cougar. In April 1958, the squadron transitioned to the Chance-Vought F-8 Crusader. On February 16, 1959 (the day after VF-11 was disestablished), VF-43 was redesignated as VF-11, the second to be so designated. That squadron decided to adopt the traditions and insignia of the first Red Rippers (although they do not claim the lineage).

1960s

The "new" VF-11 transitioned to USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), where they helped quell the unrest in the Dominican Republic in 1961. VF-11 was the first operational squadron to receive the F8U-2NE, receiving its first aircraft on February 8, 1962. F-4 Phantoms from VF-11 launch from USS Forrestal (CV-59). In January 1966 the Rippers traded their F-8Es for F-8Ds. In the Fall of 1966, they moved to NAS Oceana and transitioned to the F-4B Phantom. The squadron saw its first combat on July 25, 1967 over North Vietnam from USS Forrestal (CV-59). The brief combat period on Yankee Station was cut short when, on July 29, 1967, the Forrestal fire occurred. VF-11 lost 47 men in the catastrophe.

1970s

The squadron made several Med cruises in the 70s aboard Forrestal. In 1972, the landed an F-4 aboard HMS Ark Royal in a cross deck exercise. On August 20, 1973, the squadron received its first F-4J, beginning the transition from the F-4B.

1980s

An F-14A from VF-11 intercepting a Soviet Tu-95 in 1985
The Red Rippers transitioned to the F-14 in 1980 and deployed two years later. The squadron’s combat debut occurred in early December 1983 when VF-11 F-14s engaged eight Syrian MiGs over Lebanon and were fired upon by Syrian surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery. On December 4, 1983 the squadron flew combat air patrols over a Navy strike force from the carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), attacking Syrian positions in Lebanon. The strikes were in response to the Syrian SAM and AAA engagements. Two of the twenty-eight strong strike package were shot down, one A-7 from USS Independence (CV-62) and one A-6, the pilot of the A-6 crew died while the B/N was held prisoner by the Syrians for a year before being released. While they were deployed for operations in Lebanon, one aircraft sustained damage from a suspected surface-to-air missile. After three cruises with Carrier Air Wing Three and the Kennedy Battle Group, VF-11 and its sister squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing Six and USS Forrestal (CV-59). In 1985 VF-11 Won the Battle E, and the Clifton wards. They deployed again in 1986, and stayed with CVW6/Forrestal until its last cruise in 1991, making a total of five deployments.

1990s

In January 1992, VF-11 and VF-31 moved to NAS Miramar and transitioned to the F-14D Tomcat. VF-11’s F-14As were transferred to VF-24 and VF-211. In February 1994, VF-11 and CVW-14 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), in support of Operation Southern Watch. The Red Rippers returned to NAS Miramar on August 15. In the Fall of 1994, VF-11 acquired Night vision goggles requiring substantial changes to the F-14's internal and instrument lighting. In 1995, VF-11 received upgrades to their mission computers, providing air-to-ground ordnance capability. VF-11 sent their first aircrews to Forward Air Controller school in September 1995. Also in 1995, VF-11 was aboard Carl Vinson when she visited Hawaii for the 50th anniversary of V-J Day (Victory over Japan.) In May 1996, CVW-14 deployed with Carl Vinson in support of Operation Southern Watch. On August 31 the Iraqi army attacked the town or Irbil in northern Iraq and several SAM missiles were launched against U.S. The United States responded with Operation Desert Strike by attacking targets in the southern no-fly zone with cruise missiles launched from B-52s escorted by VF-11 Tomcats. Carl Vinson left the Gulf on October 1. Upon return from deployment, VF-11 moved to NAS Oceana as the US Marines took over Miramar. At the same time, VF-11 transitioned to the F-14B and changed air wings to Carrier Air Wing Seven. In 1997, VF-11 was awarded the Battle E and Clifton Awards as the squadron celebrated their 70th Anniversary. Also that year, VF-11 received the LANTIRN infrared targeting pod and dropped their first GBU-16 laser guided bomb. In February 1998, the Red Rippers deployed from Norfolk with CVW-7 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) on its Maiden voyage/world deployment. They supported Operation Southern Watch, travelled to Australia and Pearl Harbor before the carrier arrived at its new home, Naval Air Station North Island.

2000s

VF-11 made a deployment in 2000 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), in support of Operation Southern Watch. Seven hours after the September 11 terrorist attacks, VF-11 emergency sortied all squadron aircraft aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) to support Operation Noble Eagle. They deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in early February 2002, and employed the first JDAM bombs from F-14s in combat on March 11, 2002. In 2004 VF-11 deployed for the last time with the F-14 aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) in support of Iraqi Freedom. During that cruise, VF-11 F-14s participated in the bombing of Fallujah during a 48-hour period between April 28 and 29. On April 20, 2005, VF-11 delivered the last of their F-14s to the “boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. The squadron reported to VFA-106 for F/A-18 Super Hornet transition training, completing on November 5, 2005. In May, 2006, VFA-11 deployed to the Caribbean Sea supporting the Partnership of the Americas for two months as part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen. VFA-11 transferred to Carrier Air Wing Three and deployed with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in November 2007 to the Persian Gulf[. VFA-11 and the rest of CVW-3 returned home on June 4, 2008. The Squadron recently swapped CVW's, Changing from Carrier Air Wing Three to Carrier Air Wing One. The Squadron deployed aboard ENTERPRISE from January to July 2011 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. While on deployment, the Rippers dropped the Navy's first GBU-54(v2) Laser JDAM.

CDR Matthew “(p)” Enos, 82nd Ripper Skipper Departing! On April 21, VFA-11 held a Change of Command Ceremony in which CD...
04/26/2023

CDR Matthew “(p)” Enos, 82nd Ripper Skipper Departing!

On April 21, VFA-11 held a Change of Command Ceremony in which CDR Gregory “Bogey” Valdez assumed all duties and responsibilities as the 83rd VFA-11 Commanding Officer from CDR Matthew “(p)” Enos.

Thank you CDR Enos for your years of selfless service and dedication. Here’s to you!

Past/Present/Future•••
04/06/2023

Past/Present/Future



03/29/2023
Riding into the sunset
03/22/2023

Riding into the sunset

03/20/2023

Meet AD2 Kaley Coustaut from VFA-11 The Red Rippers! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and not letting anything hold you back!


Navy Office of Community Outreach - NAVCO
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic

03/13/2023

We are proud to feature Lt. Natalie Morrison from VFA - 11 The Red Rippers .

Thank you for paving your way and encouraging others so they may follow in your footsteps!

Navy Office of Community Outreach - NAVCO

Side 11 up on cloud 9
02/13/2023

Side 11 up on cloud 9

Side 112 bringing it on a low level route. Photo Credit: .photo •••
01/24/2023

Side 112 bringing it on a low level route.
Photo Credit: .photo



Rippersgiving was a great success! We are thankful for the good food, good times, and great people. Here’s to us!•••
01/06/2023

Rippersgiving was a great success! We are thankful for the good food, good times, and great people. Here’s to us!



To all who have donned the uniform and served, we thank you. Here’s to you!•••
01/06/2023

To all who have donned the uniform and served, we thank you. Here’s to you!



Happy Friday! Last weekend, the Red Rippers provided a two ship flyover at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for the Na...
10/28/2022

Happy Friday! Last weekend, the Red Rippers provided a two ship flyover at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for the Navy vs. Houston football game. Thank you for having us, and good luck to Navy Football this weekend!

Photos from last weekend’s F/A-18F demo flown by VFA-106.
10/28/2022

Photos from last weekend’s F/A-18F demo flown by VFA-106.

The Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion was a resounding success! Thank you to everyone who attended. The countdown begi...
10/24/2022

The Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion was a resounding success! Thank you to everyone who attended. The countdown begins for the 100th!

Here’s to us!

Turns out that the end of the rainbow is a 5-wet tanker. RSPVs for the Red Ripper 95th Reunion are now open! To receive ...
10/06/2022

Turns out that the end of the rainbow is a 5-wet tanker.
RSPVs for the Red Ripper 95th Reunion are now open! To receive RSVP information and confirm that you served as a Ripper, please contact:
[email protected]

Shown is a photo of the 1,000th carrier landing on the USS Tarawa. Date taken: March 11th, 1946.Come celebrate VFA-11 hi...
09/27/2022

Shown is a photo of the 1,000th carrier landing on the USS Tarawa. Date taken: March 11th, 1946.

Come celebrate VFA-11 history this October 20th-22nd! RSVP now for the Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion.

To receive RSVP information and confirm that you served as a Ripper, please contact:
[email protected]

RSVP now for the Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion being held on October 20th - 22nd. To receive RSVP information and ...
09/26/2022

RSVP now for the Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion being held on October 20th - 22nd.

To receive RSVP information and confirm that you served as a Ripper, please contact:
[email protected]

The Oceana Air Show is here! Make sure you swing by our VFA-11 tent on 'Squadron Row' at the base of the ATC tower.For m...
09/16/2022

The Oceana Air Show is here! Make sure you swing by our VFA-11 tent on 'Squadron Row' at the base of the ATC tower.

For more info, visit
www.oceanaairshow.com

While deployed on the USS Harry S. Truman, VFA-11 held a "Smoke 'Em" to celebrate Gunner Hisle's promotion to Lieutenant...
09/15/2022

While deployed on the USS Harry S. Truman, VFA-11 held a "Smoke 'Em" to celebrate Gunner Hisle's promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations Guns!
RSPVs for the Red Ripper 95th Reunion are now open! To receive RSVP information and confirm that you served as a Ripper, please contact:
[email protected]

VFA-11 is back from deployment and looking forward to the Red Ripper 95th Anniversary! The reunion will be held October ...
09/14/2022

VFA-11 is back from deployment and looking forward to the Red Ripper 95th Anniversary! The reunion will be held October 20th - 22nd and is open to all former Rippers and their families.

To receive RSVP information and confirm that you served as a Ripper, please contact:
[email protected]

VFA-11 recently held a "Rippin' Chains" competition while onboard USS Harry S. Truman. This competition was a contest to...
08/28/2022

VFA-11 recently held a "Rippin' Chains" competition while onboard USS Harry S. Truman. This competition was a contest to determine which team of two would be the fastest to attach six flight deck chains to a F/A-18F. Thank you to our judges AE1 Pierce and AO1 Hooper for your work in the contest, and congratulations to our winners- AM3 Buot and AN Parks. Here's to you!

The Red Rippers recently completed a detachment to Moron Air Base in the southern region of Spain. This detachment invol...
08/11/2022

The Red Rippers recently completed a detachment to Moron Air Base in the southern region of Spain. This detachment involved dissimilar air combat training (DACT) with the Spanish 111th Fighter Squadron flying the Eurofighter Typhoon. Thank you to our hosts for the outstanding training!

Pencil into your calendars: The Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion is this October! Here is a working schedule of the w...
08/04/2022

Pencil into your calendars: The Red Ripper 95th Anniversary Reunion is this October! Here is a working schedule of the weekend:
October 20th: Squadron Open House
October 21st: Golf Tournament and Reception
October 22nd: Outing in Virginia Beach
Keep following this page for more updates as venues and times are finalized.

The USS Harry S. Truman held a swim call this past week. Here are a few of our Rippers going for a dip in the Mediterran...
07/31/2022

The USS Harry S. Truman held a swim call this past week. Here are a few of our Rippers going for a dip in the Mediterranean. It turns out hogs can fly…and then swim.

Congratulations to LCDR Thomas “Franz” Zimmerman on his selection to the Blue Angels! You will be missed by the Red Ripp...
07/19/2022

Congratulations to LCDR Thomas “Franz” Zimmerman on his selection to the Blue Angels! You will be missed by the Red Rippers, but the Blues could not have made a better choice. Here’s to you!

Happy 4th of July from the Red Rippers! VFA-11 celebrated the holiday by participating in a Carrier Air Wing One “Air Po...
07/05/2022

Happy 4th of July from the Red Rippers! VFA-11 celebrated the holiday by participating in a Carrier Air Wing One “Air Power Demo” this weekend while underway on CVN-75

Rippers conducting a flyby of the Fridtjof Nansen of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Nansen deployed alongside the Harry S...
06/26/2022

Rippers conducting a flyby of the Fridtjof Nansen of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Nansen deployed alongside the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group from December ’21 – May ’22.

06/19/2022

Happy Father's Day. In this image CDR Peter Booth (left) unfurls the VF-11 "Red Rippers" flag with his father, VADM Charles T. Booth, USN (Ret.), who commanded the same squadron during his service.

Here are some photos from our most recent Awards Quarters. Congratulations to all awardees, and thank you for your hard ...
06/15/2022

Here are some photos from our most recent Awards Quarters. Congratulations to all awardees, and thank you for your hard work day in and day out!

📸 AME2 Garcia

VFA-11 would like to congratulate our very own Commander Enos on his 1,000th carrier arrested landing. CDR Enos joins an...
05/31/2022

VFA-11 would like to congratulate our very own Commander Enos on his 1,000th carrier arrested landing. CDR Enos joins an elite group of less than 360 pilots and 120 flight officers who have logged 1,000 traps. Here’s to you, Skipper!

The Red Rippers recently participated in a Carrier Air Wing ONE detachment to Landivisiau Naval Air Base.  This detachme...
05/21/2022

The Red Rippers recently participated in a Carrier Air Wing ONE detachment to Landivisiau Naval Air Base. This detachment involved working alongside the French 17th Fighter Squadron who fly the Dassault Rafale. This provided a fantastic opportunity to train with allies in close air support, dissimilar air combat training, and long range strike missions.
Here's to us!!

Yesterday two Rippers re-enlisted, and got the chance to do it airborne. It is always inspiring seeing the Ripper family...
04/01/2022

Yesterday two Rippers re-enlisted, and got the chance to do it airborne. It is always inspiring seeing the Ripper family’s continued dedication to service.

(Photo credit: AME2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

Night check keeping our jets full up and ready to go, and a recent Ripper reenlistment!           (Photo credit: AME2(AW...
02/27/2022

Night check keeping our jets full up and ready to go, and a recent Ripper reenlistment!

(Photo credit: AME2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Rippers! VFA-11 and the rest of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8) got the chance to ...
02/06/2022

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Rippers! VFA-11 and the rest of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8) got the chance to integrate with multiple NATO partners during Neptune Strike 2022. Also pictured are Ripper maintainers taking part in flight deck drills on board USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75).
(Photo Credit: AME2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

95 years ago today, The Red Rippers were established in Hampton Roads, VA beginning a long tradition of aviation excelle...
02/01/2022

95 years ago today, The Red Rippers were established in Hampton Roads, VA beginning a long tradition of aviation excellence. To all of our Rippers, both past and present, we thank you for your dedication and sacrifice patrolling the seas and sky in defense of this great nation. We will never forget that we stand on the shoulders of giants and we strive to make you proud as we stand the watch. Here’s to you and HERE’S TO US!!!!

VFA-11 recently had the opportunity to recognize some of its outstanding sailors!
01/25/2022

VFA-11 recently had the opportunity to recognize some of its outstanding sailors!

Rippers on the flight deck!        (Photo credit: AM2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)
01/24/2022

Rippers on the flight deck!
(Photo credit: AM2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

The Rippers have been hard at work on deployment. Still found time for a flight deck 5k though!    (Photo credit: AME2(A...
01/21/2022

The Rippers have been hard at work on deployment. Still found time for a flight deck 5k though!
(Photo credit: AME2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

For every hour spent airborne, a Super Hornet requires multiple hours of maintenance. VFA-11's skilled maintainers have ...
01/17/2022

For every hour spent airborne, a Super Hornet requires multiple hours of maintenance. VFA-11's skilled maintainers have been hard at work this deployment keeping Ripper jets airworthy!
(Photo credit: AME2(AW/SW) Ronnie Garcia / VFA-11)

Always a good day when we get to recognize our exceptional sailors.
06/08/2021

Always a good day when we get to recognize our exceptional sailors.

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Comments

KAPA departure-08/26/21
Hello to all the Red Rippers out there. Need Navy help please. I'm looking for a William (bill) Britt (wife Cheryl) who was a Ripper during Viet Nam/Yankee Station in the late 1960s. Last time I saw them was 2007 here in Atlanta. I would like to catch up if possible. Anyone know? Respond here or message me on FB please.
Merry Christmas to all of you rippers. Thank you for your service to our great country.
Rip’em Baby!!
thanks to all the Rippers for your service to our country
My dad was on the USS Forrestal in 1967 during the big fire. I was just a newborn when that happened. I was wondering if there are any individuals out there that knew him (Greg Montgomery) or would be interested in correspondence with me? He was a Red Ripper! He passed away in 1998 from complications a quadruple bypass surgery.
Red Ripper Mason
I just realized I mailed my boxes to Unit 200202 instead of Unit 200205.... what are the chances that my sailor will get his boxes??? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ !!!!!
Red Rippers on board USS Carl Vinson 1994
Glad to be a member
My Father was part of the Red Rippers upon the USS Forrestall Terry Oder
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