Original Item. Only One Available. This is a great 1944-contract dated Navy deck jacket with unit markings on the back for the A.T. Shop (electronic maintenance) of Fighter Squadron VF-142, the Ghostriders. VF-142 was established on on 24 August 1948 as VF-193, and wasn’t redesignated as VF-142 until 15 October 1963, meaning this jacket was most likely used into the 1960s.

The jacket has a clear size tag below the collar reading:

SIZE 36
CONT. NXsx-84257

This contract number dates the jacket’s manufacture to November 1944. There are no other tags on the jacket, which itself is in great condition with only service use. The zipper is marked TALON and functions very well. All buttons are retained and this is a fine example of a WWII Navy Deck Jacket reused up into the 1960s and possibly 1970s, ready for further research and display.

Fighter Squadron 193 (VF-193) was established on 24 August 1948 and assigned to Carrier Air Group Nineteen. The squadron was equipped with the Vought F4U-4 Corsair. It made two deployments to Korea during the Korean War between 1950 and 1952 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton. In 1953 the squadron transitioned to the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee. CVG-19 then made two deployments to the Western Pacific aboard USS Oriskany, with Donald Eleazer Carr Jr as the commanding officer in 1953–1954 campaign.

In 1958 the squadron then transitioned to the supersonic McDonnell F3H-2 Demon fighter. VF-193 then made four tours with CVG-19 aboard USS Bon Homme Richard, also to the Western Pacific.

In 1963, VF-193 transitioned to the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II. On 15 October 1963, the squadron was re-designated VF-142. From 1953 to 1962 there had been another fighter squadron VF-142. This squadron had been established as United States Naval Reserve squadron VF-791 Fighting Falcons and was re-designated VF-142 after becoming a regular squadron on 4 February 1953. It was again re-designated VF-96 on 1 June 1962.

Between May 1964 and May 1968, the Ghostriders made four deployments to the Pacific on board USS Ranger and the three other deployments with USS Constellation. During these cruises deployed to the Vietnam War, VF-142 downed two MiG-21s, one MiG-17 and one AN-2 Colt This was a result of finding a problem correcting pilots, RIOs and line service personnel making adjustments to the radar display that were incorrect which resulted in incorrect closing velocity information being sent to the missiles, this was discovered by an IMA (intermediate maintenance activity) technician and later verified by a Raytheon tech representative. Prior to that, success with Sparrow III missiles had not been good. VF-142 was also awarded a Battle Efficiency (E) at that time. In 1969 they transitioned from the F-4B to the F-4J and headed out for a new cruise with Constellation on 11 August 1969. VF-142 was awarded the Naval Aviation Safety Award for 1969–1970. In June 1971, VF-142 deployed with USS Enterprise for their sixth combat deployment to Vietnam.

In September 1972 VF-142 deployed for their seventh and last combat deployment to Asia. Missions were flown in support for the first B-52 strikes into the heart of North Vietnam prior to the cease fire. VF-142 downed their fifth enemy aircraft, a MiG-21, making VF-142 the Navy’s first ace squadron of the war. In 1974, the Ghostriders deployed to the Mediterranean with USS America and after their return to NAS Miramar they transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat. On 1 April 1975, the squadron changed their home base from Miramar to NAS Oceana, leaving Carrier Air Wing 14 for Carrier Air Wing 6. In April 1976 VF-142 deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and conducted the first F-14 intercept of a Soviet Tu-95 Bear bomber on 23 April 1976. The Ghostriders were awarded the Battle E for their outstanding performance prior to and during the cruise.

In 1978, the Ghostriders changed both ship and air wing as Carrier Air Wing 7 and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower became their new home. In January 1979 they deployed for Eisenhower’s first Mediterranean deployment. They returned to NAS Oceana on 16 July 1979.