VF-142 Ghostriders was a US Navy fighter squadron established on 24 August 1948 as VF-193, it was redesignated VF-142 on 15 October 1963, and disestablished on 30 April 1995.

VF-142 began life as VF-193 on August 24, 1948 flying the Grumman F8F Bearcat. They were first assigned to the USS Yorktown (CVA-10). They switched to the F4U-4 Corsair in 1950 and did two deployments during the Korean War aboard the USS Princeton (CV-37), with the last tour in 1952. In 1953 they transitioned to the F2H-3 Banshee.

VF-142 flew overland and over-water missions in several highly successful NATO exercises with Spanish, French and Tunisians. The squadron flew over 1200 sorties totaling 2500 hours during a six month deployment. Following a brief stand down period, VF-142 commenced preparation for the Fleet Fighter Air Combat Maneuvering Readiness Program.

For RATING SHIRTS - Click on your Rating Abbreviation below:FIGHTER SQUADRON 142 (VF-142) Deployments & History

VF-142 has the unique distinction of being the first F-14 Tomcat squadron to win the Battle 'E', during the late 1970's. In April/May of 1989 the squadron became one of those lucky enough to upgrade to the F-14A+ (now F-14B) Tomcat.

In April 1976, VF-142 deployed to the Mediterranean Sea embarked in USS America conducting the furst F-14 intercept of a Soviet Tu-95 Bear bomber on 23 April 1976. The Ghostriders were …

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VF-142 made four more Mediterranean deployments on board the Dwight D. Eisenhower before upgrading to the F-14A+ (later F-14B). The Ghostriders were flying from the carrier in August 1990—when Iraq invaded Kuwait—and supported Operation Desert Shield from the Red Sea.

VF-193, VF-142 Commanding Officers ? ? ? C apt. George H. Whisler Jr. 1957 1958 ? ? ? . P ictures

A medical examination similar to a high school sports physical is required for all cadet applicants to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) or Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC). No one will be denied admission to the NSCC/NLCC due to a medical disability.