Officially licensed by the UNITED STATES NAVY
What Does a Cartoon Cat Have to Do With Navy Air Superiority?
When people first see the patch, they often do a double take. A grinning cartoon cat, clutching a bomb with a lit fuse, walking with swagger and confidence. It looks like something out of an old comic strip. But make no mistake. That feline, known as Felix the Cat, is the face of one of the most legendary fighter squadrons in U.S. Navy history, the VF-31 Tomcatters.
Behind that mischievous grin lies a fierce reputation. VF-31 is not just any squadron. It is one of the oldest active fighter squadrons in the Navy and one of the most respected. Their story spans generations, conflicts, and technological evolution, and it continues to leave claw marks on the pages of American naval history.
Where It All Began
The roots of the Tomcatters stretch back to July 1, 1935, when they were first established as VF-1B. Over the decades, their name and aircraft would change, but their mission, achieving air superiority and protecting the fleet, stayed the same. From biplanes to F-14 Tomcats to today's cutting-edge F/A-18E Super Hornets, VF-31 has always stood on the front line of aviation innovation.
Their early days were filled with trial, error, and constant reinvention. But through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and operations in the Middle East, the Tomcatters made their presence known. They flew hard, fought harder, and built a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and devastating force from the skies.
Why Felix the Cat?
So why Felix? What does a mischievous cartoon character have to do with battle-hardened aviators?
The answer lies in tradition. In 1948, the squadron adopted Felix the Cat as their official mascot, symbolizing cleverness, boldness, and the ability to adapt quickly; traits any good fighter pilot needs. The bomb he’s carrying? That’s no joke. It represents the squadron’s strike capabilities and precision in delivering payloads where they matter most. The swagger? That’s earned.
The mascot has become such a powerful symbol that it’s instantly recognized not just within the Navy, but across the wider military aviation community. Felix the Cat doesn’t just look cool. He represents a legacy of combat excellence.
A Squadron That Shaped Navy History
VF-31 played pivotal roles in some of the Navy’s most crucial air operations. During the Cold War, they flew the legendary F-14 Tomcat, one of the most advanced fighters of its time. The aircraft was a marvel of engineering: fast, agile, and armed to the teeth. The squadron’s dogfighting ability and air-to-air kill record during this period helped cement the Tomcat’s status in aviation history.
When we talked about the Blue Angels in a previous blog, we highlighted the precision and power of Navy aviation. VF-31 brought that same energy into real-world combat. Whether operating over Iraq, launching off the decks of aircraft carriers, or patrolling international waters, the Tomcatters represented the tip of the spear.
A Modern Squadron with a Storied Past
Today, the Tomcatters still fly high, now equipped with the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Their missions continue, and so does their commitment to excellence.
They are part of the living, breathing proof that history doesn’t just sit in museums. It flies missions every day, trains new generations, and inspires those who wear the uniform. Like the Seabees we wrote about, who build under fire, or the skull-and-crossbones squadron that still sails with swagger, VF-31 is a living symbol of what makes the U.S. Navy great.
And their presence serves as a reminder during important days like Military Appreciation Month, which we covered here. The work of squadrons like VF-31 is why we take the time to recognize service and sacrifice in the first place.
More Than a Patch
That cartoon cat represents more than a mascot. It’s a legacy that sailors wear with pride. It’s the reminder that behind every emblem is a story, behind every call sign is a pilot with hours of training and years of tradition behind them.
VF-31’s insignia may look lighthearted, but it carries the weight of decades of service, sacrifice, and Navy grit.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As long as the Navy flies, the Tomcatters’ legacy will live on. Through new aircraft, new missions, and new generations of aviators, the core values remain the same: boldness, precision, and an unbreakable connection to the fleet.
If you’ve ever stood in awe watching jets scream overhead during an airshow or felt pride swell up during the National Anthem, then you understand a piece of what VF-31 is all about. They aren’t just fighting machines. They are a symbol of American determination, strategy, and strength.
Want to Show Your Tomcatter Pride?
If this legendary squadron holds a place in your heart, or you simply want to represent a piece of U.S. Navy history, check out our VF-31 Tomcatters Collection. Featuring officially licensed gear, it’s designed to honor the squadron’s legacy while looking sharp on duty or off.
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