VFA-143 Squadron Patch (Small/Black Eyes)

The 'Pukin Dogs' of VF-143 began existance as VF-871, a Reserve squadron activated for the Korean War in July 1950. They flew F-4J Phantoms until 1974 when they transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, but currently are flying the F/A-18 Hornet. They made their first Tomcat cruise aboard the USS America (CV-66) in April 1976. They transitioned to several carriers, but remained with the same battlegroup/CVW and was paired with VF-142 before their decommissioning. This patch shows the "Black Eyes" of the mascot.