Buy Official VFA-86 Sidewinders Ja Patch

Product Information

This 4" patch was created for VFA-86 to sew on their jackets.

Product Description

Official VFA-86 Sidewinders Jacket Patch — From Korean War Corsairs to F-35C Lightning IIs, the Sidewinders Keep Striking

The Sidewinders have been in the fight since the Korean War. Now they're bringing fifth-generation stealth to the carrier air wing.

Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) — the 'Sidewinders' — is one of the United States Navy's most combat-experienced strike fighter squadrons, with a lineage stretching from Korean War-era Corsairs to the F-35C Lightning II. The squadron traces its origins to Reserve Fighter Squadron 921 (VF-921), called to active duty from NAS St. Louis on February 1, 1951, for the Korean War, flying the F4U-4 Corsair aboard USS Tarawa. Over the following seven decades, the Sidewinders flew an extraordinary succession of aircraft — the F8F Bearcat, F9F Panther, F7U Cutlass, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, F/A-18C Hornet, and F/A-18E Super Hornet. The squadron operated from USS Independence near Guantanamo Bay during the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, flew combat missions off USS Independence against targets in South Vietnam in 1965, provided air cover for the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in 1989, flew combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm from USS America in 1991, and supported Operations Deny Flight over Bosnia, Southern Watch over Iraq, and Inherent Resolve against ISIS. VFA-86 was the first East Coast squadron to receive the F/A-18C Hornet and was recognized with the Battle E as the best East Coast Hornet squadron in 1997. In 2023, the Sidewinders began transitioning to the F-35C Lightning II at NAS Lemoore, becoming the Navy's third F-35C squadron and earning Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification in October 2024. This jacket patch carries the Sidewinders' legacy from propeller-driven Corsairs to fifth-generation stealth.

Perfect For: VFA-86 Sidewinders aircrew and maintainers past and present, F-35C Lightning II and Super Hornet community members, CVW-11 and NAS Lemoore personnel, and anyone who has served with one of the Navy's most storied strike fighter squadrons.

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.