VFA-11 “Red Rippers” High Top Canvas Shoes
The VFA-11 “Red Rippers” is a legendary U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established as Fighter Squadron VF-43 on June 15, 1950. It was later redesignated as VF-11 in February 1959, taking on the “Red Rippers” name and heritage from a previous squadron that had been disestablished. Â The squadron continued to operate under the VF-11 designation, flying aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II, before transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat in the 1970s. In 2005, VF-11 was redesignated as VFA-11 when it transitioned to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, reflecting its new role as a strike fighter squadron capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The “Red Rippers” have carried on the proud traditions of naval aviation, serving with distinction in various conflicts and maintaining their legacy as one of the Navy’s most storied squadrons.
