Official VFA-14 Tophatters F/A-18E Tail Flash Patch — Strike Fighter Squadron 14 Super Hornet Tail Flash Embroidered Patch
The Oldest and the Boldest — VFA-14 Tophatters' tail flash.
Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14), the "Tophatters," holds the distinction of being the oldest active squadron in the United States Navy, tracing its lineage back to 1919. Based at NAS Lemoore, California, and assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9), the Tophatters operate the F/A-18E Super Hornet in the single-seat strike fighter role. This tail flash patch replicates the distinctive top hat markings found on VFA-14's Super Hornet vertical stabilizers — one of the most recognizable tail designs in Naval Aviation.
The Tophatters' motto, "The Oldest and the Boldest," reflects both their unmatched heritage and their aggressive approach to the strike fighter mission. Over more than a century of service, VFA-14 has operated nearly every type of carrier-based aircraft in the Navy inventory, from biplanes to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Tail flash patches capture the unique visual identity that distinguishes each squadron on the flight deck and in the air, and VFA-14's top hat design is instantly recognizable among carrier aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Perfect For: VFA-14 Tophatters active-duty members and veterans, F/A-18E Super Hornet enthusiasts, CVW-9 alumni, NAS Lemoore personnel, tail flash patch collectors, and anyone who appreciates the Navy's oldest and boldest fighter squadron.
Oldest and boldest on the tail — VFA-14 Tophatters flash.
