US Navy Fighter Squadron VF-41 BLACK ACES Vietnam War Patch

Description: Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. This Vietnam war in-country machine-embroidered patch measures 3" by 3", used condition. A great find for any military collectible enthusiast. Fighter Squadron VF-41, known as the “Black Aces,” was a renowned U.S. Navy fighter squadron that became active during the Vietnam War era. While VF-41 would later become famous for its F-14 Tomcat operations, during the Vietnam War the squadron flew the F-4 Phantom II, a multi-role jet known for its speed, versatility, and heavy armament.Key Roles and Contributions of VF-41 “Black Aces” in the Vietnam War: Aircraft and Armament:VF-41 operated the F-4 Phantom II, which was equipped with a mix of air-to-air missiles (such as AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder) and air-to-ground ordnance, including bombs and rockets.The F-4’s speed and firepower made it ideal for interceptions, combat air patrols, and ground-attack missions, giving the Black Aces a flexible platform to support U.S. operations. Air Superiority Missions:The primary mission of VF-41 was air superiority, securing control of the skies over Vietnam and ensuring safe passage for allied aircraft conducting ground support and bombing missions.VF-41 pilots engaged in combat air patrols (CAP) to intercept enemy MiGs and protect U.S. forces from North Vietnamese fighters, with the F-4’s radar and missile systems providing a competitive edge in dogfights. Ground-Attack and Close Air Support:Beyond air-to-air roles, VF-41 was tasked with ground-attack missions to support troops on the ground and disrupt North Vietnamese infrastructure and supply lines.The F-4’s payload capacity allowed VF-41 to carry out precision bombing missions and close air support, targeting enemy bunkers, transportation routes, and supply depots. Aircraft Carrier Operations:VF-41 was based aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers like the USS Ranger and USS Constellation, which operated in the Gulf of Tonkin and provided a mobile platform for sorties over North Vietnam and surrounding areas.Carrier-based operations required intense coordination, as pilots launched and landed on carriers in various sea and weather conditions while under potential threat from enemy anti-aircraft defenses. Electronic Countermeasures and Reconnaissance:VF-41’s F-4 Phantoms were also equipped with electronic countermeasures (ECM) to protect against enemy radar and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire, enhancing survivability during high-risk missions.Some missions involved reconnaissance and surveillance, with VF-41 providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements, which was crucial for planning broader air campaigns. Support of Rolling Thunder Campaign:VF-41 participated in Operation Rolling Thunder, the prolonged aerial bombardment campaign targeting North Vietnam’s military and industrial infrastructure.The squadron flew numerous sorties, targeting strategic sites to weaken the enemy’s capability to wage war and disrupt their supply lines from the north. Legacy and Evolution of the Black Aces:Following the Vietnam War, VF-41 would continue to serve prominently, transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat and achieving a reputation as one of the Navy’s elite fighter squadrons.The “Black Aces” legacy from Vietnam set the stage for its future accomplishments, building a foundation of tactical expertise and operational effectiveness. For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund of purchase price. For more selection, please visit our eBay store. Thanks ! Shipping PolicyAt eBay, we are committed to providing a positive shopping experience for our customers. We offer both domestic and international shipping options to ensure you can get your items quickly and safely. We offer a variety of shipping services, which vary by item, size and delivery address.Domestic Shipping:Items shipped within the U.S. are generally delivered via USPS or UPS depending on the size and weight of the item. Domestic orders usually take 3-5 days to be delivered. Any additional fees, taxes or duties are the responsibility of the customer.International Shipping:Items shipped outside of the U.S. may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, and other fees levied by the destination country. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. eBay is not responsible for any additional fees or delays due to customs.Shipping Charges:The cost of shipping and handling will be clearly stated on the listing page. Any additional fees or taxes may be added to the total cost.We hope this shipping policy helps clarify our shipping process. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding shipping.

Price: 12.95 USD

Location: Midway City, California

End Time: 2025-02-09T03:59:39.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0.95 USD