Genuine US military issue
Circa 1970s. (Contract number appears to read 1971).
An absolutely killer patched A-2 deck jacket, worn by an F-8 Crusader fighter pilot with VF-194 "Red Lightnings".
Four different US Navy fighter squadrons have been designated VF-194 since 1948: VF-194 Main Battery (1950–1955), VF-194 Yellow Devils (1955–1958), VF-194 Red Lightnings (1952–1978) and VF-194 Red Lightnings (1986–1988). The third VF-194 was a squadron with a rich history, tracing its roots to the Korean War. Originally designated VF-91, the squadron was established in 1952, redesignated VF-192 on 1st August 1963 and was active until it was dissolved in 1978. The unit primarily flew F-8 Crusaders and later transitioned to the iconic F-4 Phantom II.
Between 1964 and 1973, VF-194 completed eight combat deployments to Vietnam. Two were aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (1964, 1965–66), two on USS Ticonderoga (1966–67, 1967–68), and the final four aboard USS Oriskany. The squadron flew the Vought F-8E Crusader from 1965 until its upgrade to the F-8J in 1968, becoming, alongside sister squadron VF-191, one of the last U.S. Navy units to operate the Crusader in frontline service.
Combat operations were intense and often costly. In 1965, LCDR R. E. Weedon was shot down but rescued. The 1966–67 cruise saw LT M. T. Newell killed by a North Vietnamese SAM, and in 1968, LTJG R. C. McMahan was lost and listed MIA after another missile strike. Subsequent deployments aboard Oriskany saw fewer combat losses but still carried risks, including operational accidents such as a ramp strike in 1970 and the loss of XO CDR Dave Metzler in 1971. The squadron also supported major operations, including combat air patrols during the Son Tay POW rescue mission in 1970.
After the U.S. ended direct involvement in Vietnam, VF-194 completed two additional Western Pacific cruises aboard Oriskany (1973–74 and 1975–76). With Oriskany’s retirement in 1976, the squadron transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II and joined Carrier Air Wing Fifteen. Following a single deployment aboard USS Coral Sea, VF-194 was disestablished on 1 March 1978.
The A-2 deck jacket was worn throughout the 1960s and into the 1990s - An ideal basic winter warmer, made with a thick synthetic pile lining and robust cotton/nylon shell. It features a single chest pocket, zip & button front closure, storm cuffs, and two waist-level slash pockets to keep hands protected from the elements. A simple design with great styling potential.
All originally-applied patches except the "FITRON 194" arc are Asian-made and display fully-embroidered construction, typical to the late-Vietnam War period.
The expression "Hud'n Hud'n" came from the Mopeds that the squadron rented while they were on cruise. The sound they made was described by one drunk pilot, and thus became a mantra and common saying for VF-194. The expression was used similarly to "Hoorah" or "Gather Round".
Very good condition with light wear - All buttons, fittings and fixtures are present. The contract label is present and mostly legible. Strong colour. The knitted cuffs have some light damage. There is light sporadic staining as shown.
Labelled size Large
Flat garment measurements in inches:
