The Iconic Navy Squadron That Flies with a Skull and Crossbones

Strike Fighter Squadron 103, better known as the Jolly Rogers, isn’t just a name that sticks. It strikes. It commands attention in the same way a shark fin does in shallow water. With their unmistakable skull and crossbones insignia, these aviators don’t just represent firepower from the sky — they embody the spirit of lethal precision, legacy, and loyalty. There's something inherently thrilling, even a little dangerous, about seeing a fighter jet marked like a pirate ship. And that’s exactly the point.

The origins of the Jolly Rogers trace back to the Second World War, when the squadron was first established as VF-17 in 1943. Over time, the designation and home base have changed, but the heart of the squadron hasn't. VFA-103, as it’s known today, took up the Jolly Rogers name and insignia in 1995, continuing a legacy that was already legendary. Their commitment to excellence, courage under fire, and distinctive style vaulted them from just another squadron to the poster boys of Navy aviation. 

The Skull and Crossbones: More Than Just a Cool Logo 

It’s bold. It’s rebellious. And it tells you everything you need to know before a single word is spoken. The skull and crossbones has long been a symbol of fearless freedom. But in Navy aviation, it’s something more. Originally worn by the legendary VF-17 “Jolly Rogers” flying F4U Corsairs in WWII, the insignia represented raw tenacity and sheer grit in the Pacific theater. Over the years, the emblem became a symbol of skill, swagger, and survivability. 

How the Jolly Rogers became the keepers of Navy aviation tradition 

When VFA-103 inherited the name and insignia, they also inherited the responsibility of upholding a powerful tradition. This isn’t just a paint job. This is a living tribute. The squadron carries on the ceremonial rituals, the call signs, and the fighting spirit of those who flew before them. That sense of continuity is rare in modern military life, and it’s one of the reasons the Jolly Rogers stand out even among elite squadrons.  

What it means to wear the bones on your bird 

To fly under the bones is to carry weight — the weight of history, honor, and a hard-earned reputation. Pilots and crew members take that seriously. It’s a badge of belonging to something bigger than themselves. And it means you never cut corners, you never slack off, and you never let your wingman down. That skull and crossbones says you’re ready to roll into the fire and come out on top. 

Notable missions and deployments over the decades 

From combat air patrols in the Middle East to precision strikes over hostile terrain, the Jolly Rogers have been right there on the edge of the action. They've supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, often launching from the decks of carriers like the USS John C. Stennis. Their ability to adapt and excel in real-world conflict zones has made them one of the most reliable squadrons in the Navy. 

How the squadron has adapted to new generations of warfare 

Today’s battlefield is digital, fast, and unpredictable. VFA-103 has evolved with it. Their transition from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18F Super Hornet marked a shift not just in aircraft but in capability. With state-of-the-art avionics, multi-role flexibility, and enhanced lethality, the Jolly Rogers now bring more firepower and situational awareness to every mission. 

The Jets Behind the Legend: Flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet

 The F/A-18F Super Hornet is not just a fighter jet. It's an aerial predator. With twin engines that roar like thunder and avionics that border on science fiction, the Super Hornet delivers unmatched versatility. It can dogfight, deliver laser-guided bombs, and intercept enemy aircraft in the same breath. And in the hands of the Jolly Rogers, it becomes poetry in motion.  

Why the Super Hornet fits the Jolly Rogers vibe 

If a fighter jet could have a personality, the Super Hornet would be confident, aggressive, and untouchably smooth. Sound familiar? That’s why it fits the Jolly Rogers so well. It's lethal, it’s smart, and it plays well with others on a mission. But it also has that unmistakable edge. Like the squadron itself, the Super Hornet isn't here to just exist. It’s here to dominate.  

Training, maintenance, and the crew that keeps it flying 

None of it works without the ground crew, the maintainers, and the flight deck teams who operate like a pit crew on caffeine. The training is brutal, the standards are sky-high, and the coordination required is mind-bending. But the result is a squadron that moves like a living, breathing machine — smooth, fast, and flawless. 

Life Inside VFA-103: Brotherhood, Grit, and Pride 

Joining VFA-103 isn’t just about clocking hours in a simulator. It’s about heart, hustle, and having the grit to keep pushing when everything in your body says stop. Whether you’re a pilot, a technician, or a support specialist, you earn your place with relentless effort and absolute dedication. 

The rituals, camaraderie, and unshakable bond among the team

 There’s a reason this squadron feels like family. The shared rituals, from call sign ceremonies to deployment traditions, forge unbreakable bonds. When you eat, train, sweat, and fly together for months at a time, you stop being coworkers. You become crew. And that kind of unity shows in the way they fly and fight.  

How the Jolly Rogers keep morale high and tradition alive 

Whether it’s skull-themed squadron patches, Friday flight suit Fridays, or honoring fallen aviators with solemn ceremonies, tradition is a constant companion. It keeps morale high even during the longest deployments. And it ensures that every new generation knows the legacy they’re upholding.  

The Jolly Rogers in Pop Culture and Navy Lore 

If you’ve seen Top Gun, played Call of Duty, or watched just about any film involving Navy jets, odds are you’ve seen the influence of the Jolly Rogers. Their skull and crossbones tail art is iconic. Instantly recognizable. Whether it’s featured explicitly or simply echoed in design, their influence on pop culture is enormous. 

How the squadron’s mystique inspires the public and Navy hopefuls 

For kids dreaming of flying and Navy hopefuls in ROTC, the Jolly Rogers aren’t just a squadron. They're the dream. They're the image that sticks in your mind when you think of raw aerial power and cool-as-ice professionalism. The swagger is real. But it’s earned. 

The unofficial “brand” of the coolest squadron in the fleet 

Let’s be honest. When it comes to style, attitude, and pure presence, no squadron has the brand game dialed in quite like the Jolly Rogers. The patches. The gear. The photos of jets streaking through the sky with a skull on the tail. It’s more than a look. It’s a statement. 

Why the Jolly Rogers Still Matter Today 

The threats have changed, but the mission stays the same. Whether it’s deterring hostile forces in contested regions or participating in joint international training exercises, VFA-103 is constantly on call. They represent American air power with speed, precision, and unmatched readiness.  

The future of VFA-103 in an evolving Navy 

As unmanned aircraft and next-gen fighters come into the fold, squadrons like the Jolly Rogers remain crucial. Their ability to adapt, train, and operate with precision keeps them at the forefront of the Navy’s global force. And with a legacy like theirs, they won’t be slowing down anytime soon. 

What makes this squadron a symbol of pride, power, and pure badassery 

At the end of the day, the Jolly Rogers are more than just pilots. They’re a symbol. Of fearlessness. Of excellence. Of everything it means to wear the uniform and take to the skies in defense of freedom. Their name rings out in ready rooms, recruiting offices, and history books alike. 

Why the Jolly Rogers remain the gold standard in Naval Aviation 

Not every squadron becomes a legend. Fewer still stay legendary. The Jolly Rogers do both. With an unmatched combination of tradition, talent, and attitude, they continue to raise the bar for what a Navy squadron can be.  

How their legacy continues to inspire the next wave of warriors 

Every time a new pilot straps in under the bones, that legacy grows. And so does the fire to live up to it. VFA-103 isn’t just a chapter in Navy history. It’s still being written — and it’s as badass as ever. 

Want to wear the bones? Check out the Jolly Roger Collection and grab gear that’s inspired by the most iconic squadron in the sky. Fly the flag. Wear the legend.