VFA-11 The Red Rippers
The "Red Rippers" insignia features a boar’s head from the Gordon’s Gin label, a scroll made of sausage links symbolizing the squadron's storytelling flair, and flaming balls representing masculinity. A lightning bolt denotes the bar sinister of bastardy. The imagery inspired the unofficial Ripper toast: "Here’s to us, the RED RIPPERS – a damn bunch of gin drinking, bologna slinging, two-balled, he-man bastards." Though officially banned for being offensive, the toast persists informally.
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VFA-11 traces its origins to VF-43, later re-designated VF-11, adopting the "Red Rippers" name and traditions. Two earlier squadrons bore the VF-11 designation; only one previously used the "Red Rippers" nickname. The Navy does not officially recognize lineage between disestablished and reformed squadrons, but traditions often carry over.
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Originally VF-43 "Rebel’s Raiders", the squadron flew Corsairs, then transitioned to Cougars and Banshees. They deployed to the Mediterranean and saw action in Lebanon and the Taiwan Straits. VF-43 was re-designated VF-11, adopting the "Red Rippers" name.
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In the 1960s, The Red Rippers deployed aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Dominican Republic crisis. VF-11 transitioned to the F-4 Phantom and saw its first combat over North Vietnam. The squadron suffered heavy losses during the USS Forrestal fire.
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During the 1970s, VFA-11 conducted multiple Mediterranean deployments. Transitioned to the F-4J Phantom and performed joint operations with the British Navy, before transitioning in the 1980's to the F-14 Tomcat, flying combat missions over Lebanon, and supporting Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf. The Red Rippers won multiple awards, including the Battle "E" and Clifton Award.
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In the 1990s, VF-11 participated in Kurdish relief efforts and Southern Watch operations. Transitioned to the F-14D and later the F-14B, enhancing precision strike capabilities with LANTIRN and JDAM. Supported Desert Strike and celebrated their 70th anniversary with multiple honors.
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The 2000s saw the deployed in support of Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. VF-11 flew post-9/11 homeland defense missions and dropped the first JDAMs from F-14s in combat. Transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and became VFA-11.​ The Red Rippers have since deployed aboard USS Enterprise and later USS Theodore Roosevelt, operating across multiple fleets and supporting operations in the Middle East and beyond.
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Our version of the US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron artwork, used in the F/A-18c Hornet livery:
ORIGINAL
REVISED
Please note: Featured on this site are many refreshed versions of the squadron's original emblem designs.
We've made subtle tweaks to some, more sweeping changes to others, but our intention is always to preserve the essence of the original ~ to create a slightly updated version that would print clearer on a variety of mediums.
All of our emblem design versions have been created with deep respect for the original design and their respective designers. It is our homage to these squadrons, their personnel, crews, and veterans.