Officially Licensed US Navy VFA-211 Checkmates Squadron Patch

Product Information

This is a 4" patch, with or without hook & loop.

Product Description

Officially Licensed US Navy VFA-211 Checkmates Squadron Patch - Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211) Fighting Checkmates, officially licensed embroidered patch, NAS Oceana, Virginia.

Eight decades of carrier aviation, MiG kills over Vietnam, Super Hornet strikes from the Roosevelt — the Fighting Checkmates carry one of the Navy's most storied squadron identities.

VFA-211 traces its lineage to Bombing Squadron 74, established on 1 May 1945 at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. Through successive redesignations the unit became VF-211 in 1959 and built a combat record that includes eight enemy aircraft downed in air-to-air engagements during the Vietnam War, earning the Checkmates the enduring title of MiG Killers. The squadron flew F-8 Crusaders, F-14 Tomcats, and F/A-18F Super Hornets before transitioning to the single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2020. When the Checkmates completed that Super Hornet transition in 2004 they became the first operational East Coast Super Hornet squadron, a milestone that added another chapter to a lineage already spanning Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Today the squadron is based at NAS Oceana, Virginia, reports to Carrier Air Wing Eleven, and deploys aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. The squadron's mascot Brutus, a cartoon figure holding a rocket, appears on the patch design as a direct tribute to the original VB-74 logo, connecting the modern strike fighter community to its World War II bombing roots. This officially licensed embroidered patch captures that full identity in a format built for display boards, shadow boxes, flight jackets, and unit collections.

Perfect For: Navy strike fighter veterans, VFA-211 alumni and current crew members, F/A-18 Super Hornet enthusiasts, Carrier Air Wing Eleven collectors, USS Theodore Roosevelt cruise book displays, Vietnam War naval aviation historians, shadow boxes, patch panels, challenge coin boards, reunion gifts, and anyone building a serious carrier aviation collection around one of the Navy's longest-serving and most decorated fighter squadrons.

Checkmates heritage, officially licensed, stitched for the collection that honors eighty years of carrier strike excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right backing?

If you want to swap patches on/off gear, choose hook & loop (velcro). If you’re attaching permanently to uniforms or fabric, choose sew-on. If you want quick application on compatible fabric, choose iron-on / heat seal (when offered). Backing options are shown on the page and update based on the variant you select.

What size is this item?

Size is shown on the product page and updates with the variant you select (example: 3"). If you’re mounting on a hat or small panel, choose smaller sizes; for plate carriers and display boards, larger sizes fit better.

Are these Officially Licensed?

If the product is officially licensed, it will say “Officially Licensed” in the title and/or in the product details. If it doesn’t, it’s still a legitimate product—just not part of a licensed program.

Do you offer bulk or reruns for units/squadrons?

Yes. If you see a note like “bulk reruns available,” that means we can support group orders or reruns. If you don’t see it, contact us with the unit/squadron and quantity and we’ll confirm options.

Can you make a custom patch / name tag / lanyard / apparel?

Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.