was searching the net for f-18 hornet markings. and i came upon these markings for VF-103 jolly roger unit in f-18 fs. i thought this unit was distalibshed. its hobbydecal le48004 and they have it in 1/48 an 1/72 now it looks like they will stay with us[:D][:D]
Not suprised to see it, glad the Jolly Roger’s are staying around Have a link to were you saw those markings.
VF-103 has converted to the Super Hornet and is now designated VFA-103…
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The “Jolly Rogers” finished up their last cruise on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and then converted over to the F/A-18F. A few other F-14 units that converted over:
VF-154 now VFA-154
VF-102 now VFA-102
VF-31 becoming VFA-31
VF-14 now VFA-14 (F/A-18E)
VF-41 now VFA-41
VF-2 now VFA-2
Those are just off the top of my head. More units transitioning.
F/A-18C units are also transitioning to the Super Bug, mainly F/A-18E.
Always loved the Jolly Roger markings, especially the high vis markings on the Tomcat.
Regards, Rick
Interesting history with that squadron…the “Jolly Rogers” used to be VF-84.
Here’s the link for the VFA-103 decal, keep in mind that they are dry transfers.
http://www.hobbydecal.com/index.htm
Here’s a link with a couple of pics…
Before that VF-61, VF-5B and VF-17 held the name ‘Jolly Rogers’, with VF-17 being the original skull and crossbones gang.
For anyone interested in these ‘legendary bones of Ens. Jack Ernie’, you can find a decent online history here…
The Jolly Rogers - Past and Present
I’ll see if I can post some images of various Jolly Rogers birds…
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Showed the picture to my son yesterday(VF-103 served on his ship on thier Med cruise in 96) and he said it “just don’t look right”
Image what some of the VF-17 vets from WWII said once the “Jolly Roger” went on the F-4…[:D]
I think the Jolly Rogers and the Blacksheep are “permanent” squadrons.
Here’s a lesser known type flown by the Jolly Rogers of VF-61… the F3H Demon. No super-flashy markings but hey, they’re Jolly Rogers…
Source/credit for all photos: unknown web
Here’s a bit of trivia… of all the types flown by any of the squadrons laying claim to the name of ‘Jolly Rogers’, only one type has not been documented as ever carrying the Jolly Roger logo in any form. What aircraft type is it?
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How’s about digging up an even rarer bird in 61 markings _ fh-1 Phantom
Nice pics, everyone. I should try to sneek some pics of VFA-103 while they’re here at Fallon. I haven’t seen the nuts bird recently, though. - Calvin
I was at NAF Atsugi yesterday and did see VFA-192’s “double nuts”…it’s in the NIPPI hanger, along with VFA-195’s “double nuts”…
I like the look of it… You can get away with the colors on a twin seater … But I dont think it would look as good on a single seater with the smaller canope…
Chris in Japan