Hobby Master Archive

What would become VF-211 Strike Fighter Squadron 211 “Fighting Checkmates” began in 1945 as Bombing Squadron SEVENTY FOUR (VB-74). On December 23, 1975 VF-211 made its first F-14A flight signaling the end to their old F-8 Crusaders. VF-211 was the ninth USN squadron to receive the F-14A Tomcat. In late 2003 the “Fighting Checkmates” left on their final F-14 cruise in support of OIF and would return to NAS Oceana in 2004 to start the transition to the F-18F Super Hornet. F-14A 161603 was SOC April 20, 2005.