VF-24

• Origins in WWII: VF-24 traces its lineage back to World War II, originally established as VF-23 in May 1943 before multiple redesignations, eventually becoming VF-24 in 1959. • Nicknamed the "Fighting Renegades": The squadron was known as the "Fighting Renegades" and later as the "Checkertails," reflected in their distinctive squadron insignia. • Korean War Service: Prior to its VF-24 designation, the squadron participated in the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs and later F9F Panthers, marking its transition into jet-powered aircraft. • Vietnam War Deployments: As VF-24, the squadron flew F-8 Crusaders and F-4 Phantoms during the Vietnam War, completing several combat deployments from aircraft carriers such as USS Bon Homme Richard and USS Hancock. • Ace Pilot: During the Vietnam War, Lieutenant (JG) William C. McGuigan of VF-24 became an ace, credited with five confirmed MiG kills, one of the few US Navy pilots to achieve this status in Vietnam. • Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In late 1975, VF-24 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, becoming one of the early squadrons to operate the iconic swing-wing fighter. • Mediterranean and Pacific Operations: VF-24 participated in numerous peacetime and crisis deployments, including Mediterranean cruises and operations in the Western Pacific, supporting US interests during the Cold War. • Libyan Operations: In the 1980s, VF-24 took part in operations in the Gulf of Sidra, including confrontations with Libyan aircraft, as part of the US Navy's Freedom of Navigation exercises. • Gulf War Service: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VF-24 deployed aboard USS Nimitz, flying combat air patrols and escort missions with the F-14A Tomcat. • Deactivation: VF-24 was disestablished on August 1, 1996, after over five decades of service, as part of post-Cold War reductions in US Navy carrier air wings.