Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), nicknamed the "Fighting Checkmates", is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1945. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana and is equipped with the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet.
Insignia and nickname
The squadron insignia depicts a character known as "Brutus" holding a rocket, from the original logo for VB-74. Eleven stars are arranged in groups of seven and four to mark the squadron's numerical designation, "SEVEN FOUR". The shield recalls the squadron's sixteen-year association with the F-8 Crusader. By tradition, the "Brutus" mascot is painted on an aircraft whenever the Fighting Checkmates spend Christmas away from home. The squadron's radio call sign is "Nikel."
History
Three U.S. Navy squadrons have been designated VF-211. The first was established in 1948 and disestablished in 1949. The second VF-211 was established in 1955 and later redesignated VF-24 in 1959. The third VF-211 was established as VB-74 in 1945, eventually became VFA-211, and is the subject of this article.
1940s
Bombing Squadron Seventy Four (VB-74) was established on 1 May 1945 at NAAF Otis Field, Massachusetts. Their first aircraft was the SBW-4E Helldiver. The squadron soon moved to East Field, NAS Norfolk and deployed on on 31 October 31 1945. In 1946 the squadron was redesignated Attack Squadron 1B (VA-1B) and began transition to the AD-1 Skyraider. Two years later the squadron transitioned to AD-2 Skyraider and was redesignated Attack Squadron Twenty Four (VA-24) on 1 September 1948. Skyraider aircraft were soon grounded due to engine problems and VA-24 transitioned to the F4U Corsair six weeks before deploying with . After the deployment the squadron moved to NAS Oceana and on December 1, 1949 the VA-24 was redesignated Fighter Squadron Twenty Four (VF-24).
1950s
VF-24 moved to NAS Alameda and made two back-to-back deployment in support of the Korean War aboard and , bombing enemy emplacements, rail yards, bridges, warehouses and airfields.
Following their second deployment, VF-24 relocated to NALF Santa Rosa, California, and transitioned to the F9F-2 Panther, the squadron's first jet fighter. In February 1952, VF-24 deployed once again with USS Boxer to Korea for their third combat tour, which included a strike on Pyongyang on August 29. Upon their return home, VF-24 moved to NAS Alameda.
During the rest of the 1950s, VF-24 flew a number of aircraft, including the FJ Fury, the FJ-3M, the F3H-2M Demon, the F-11F Tiger and the F-8 Crusader at NAS Moffett Field. On 9 March 1959, VF-24 traded air wings, insignia, and designations with the VF-211 Checkmates.
VF-211 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21) aboard for a Western Pacific deployment from 25 April to 3 December 1959.
1960s
In 1961 the squadron moved to NAS Miramar, which would be its home for the next 35 years.
Vietnam War
VF-211 made eight deployments during the Vietnam War.
From 21 October 1964 to 29 May 1965, VF-211 equipped with F-8Es was deployed on . On 21 February F-8E #150897 lost power on launch, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued.
From 10 November 1965 to 1 August 1966, VF-211 was deployed on USS Hancock. On 24 December F-8E #150891 was lost, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 28 April F-8E #150867 hit a mountain during an air strike, the pilot LT Thomas Brown was killed in action, body not recovered. On 2 May F-8E #149169 was lost due to hydraulic failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 23 May F-8E #150901 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 12 June, CDR Harold Marr shot down a Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) MiG-17. On 21 June, LTJG Phil Vampatella and LT Eugene Chancy each shot down a MiG-17, while F-8E #149152 was shot down by a MiG-17, the pilot LTJG Cole Black ejected successfully, was captured and released on 12 February 1973.
From 26 January to 25 August 1967, VF-211 was deployed on . On 1 May LTCDR M Wright shot down a VPAF MiG-17. On 19 May CDR Paul Speer and LTJG Joseph Shea each shot down a MiG-17. On 19 May F-8E #150930 was hit by a SAM-2, the pilot LTCDR Kay Russell ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973. On 21 May F-8E #150348 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 6 June F-8E #150303 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot LTJG Thomas Hall ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973. On 21 July LTCDR Tim Hubbard shot down a MiG-17.