VFA-32 Swordsmen
The Swordsmen of VFA-32 trace their roots to February 1, 1945, when they were established as VBF-3 during World War II. Flying F6F “Hellcats” from USS Yorktown (CV-10), they became the first Navy carrier-based squadron to strike the Japanese homeland, earning the Presidential Unit Citation after downing 24 enemy aircraft in a single day. Post-war, they transitioned to the F4U “Corsair” and became VF-32.
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During the Korean War, VF-32 flew missions from USS Leyte (CV-32). In 1950, squadron pilot ENS Jesse Brown—the Navy’s first Black aviator—was shot down; his wingman, LTJG Thomas Hudner, crash-landed in an attempt to save him, earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery. VF-32 later became the first squadron to operate the F9F “Cougar” and F8U “Crusader,” participating in Cold War crises such as Lebanon (1958) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
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In Vietnam, the squadron flew 940 combat sorties without loss while deployed aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. They transitioned to the F-14A “Tomcat” in 1974 and earned accolades including the Clifton Award and Battle “E” for excellence. In 1989, two VF-32 Tomcats shot down Libyan MiG-23s during a tense encounter over the Mediterranean.
During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, VF-32 flew over 1,400 combat hours, including critical reconnaissance and strike missions. In the 1990s, they supported operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and Haiti, pioneering precision strike tactics with the Tomcat. VF-32 also played a major role in Operation Desert Fox in 1998, achieving several Navy firsts with laser-guided bombs and night vision systems.
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Following their final Tomcat deployment in 2005—supporting Iraq’s first democratic election—they transitioned to the FA-18F “Super Hornet” and became VFA-32. Since then, they have supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, flying thousands of sorties and delivering precision strikes in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
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Now based at NAS Oceana, the Swordsmen maintain a proud legacy of excellence, safety, and combat readiness across eight decades of service. They continue to answer the call with professionalism, precision, and honor.
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Our version of the VFA-32 Swordsmen 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.