VFA-106 GLADIATORS F-18 HORNET US Navy Strike Fighter Patch

VFA-106 Gladiators F/A-18 Hornet US Navy Strike Fighter Patch 4.75" x 4.25" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.
Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.
Sew-On Application: Classic sew-on patch design for a secure, long-term hold on uniforms, jackets, gear bags, and more.
Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality.
Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), known as the “Gladiators,” was established on April 27, 1984, at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. It was created as the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the F/A-18 Hornet, charged with training Navy and Marine Corps pilots and Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs) to master one of the world’s most versatile combat aircraft.

Now based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, the squadron has become a cornerstone of naval aviation training, producing combat-ready aviators for carrier air wings across the globe.

Notable Commanders
Throughout its history, VFA-106 has been commanded by distinguished leaders in naval aviation, many of whom went on to lead carrier air wings, graduate from Top Gun, or serve in senior operational commands. Their leadership has fostered an environment of discipline, precision, and technical mastery.

Major Campaigns/Operations
VFA-106 does not deploy in combat but is crucial to fleet readiness. The squadron's graduates have gone on to fly in:

• Operation Enduring Freedom

• Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Carrier Strike Group deployments in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East

• Air wing readiness missions in joint and allied exercises worldwide

Every mission starts with training, and nearly every East Coast Hornet pilot has passed through the Gladiators' rigorous pipeline.

Specialized Role/Equipment
VFA-106 operates both the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet (A/B/C/D) and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, covering a full range of combat and support roles. Its mission includes:

• Carrier landing qualifications

• Tactical air combat maneuvering

• Strike operations and live ordnance training

• Day/night flight operations and low-level navigation

Whether it's their first carrier trap or their final weapons check, aviators graduate from VFA-106 ready to serve on the tip of the spear.

Acts of Heroism
While not deployed into combat, the risks faced in training are real—and so are the acts of heroism. Instructors have guided students through mid-air emergencies, mechanical failures, and aborted landings with calm, decisive action that has saved both lives and aircraft.

Every pilot flying into harm’s way owes a debt to the Gladiators who trained them, mentored them, and made sure they were ready when it counted most.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
VFA-106 has shaped generations of Navy and Marine aviators. From instructors pushing new pilots beyond their comfort zone, to aircrew who transform raw talent into lethal skill, the squadron remains a benchmark of excellence in strike fighter training.

This patch honors the legacy of the Gladiators—not just a training squadron, but the launchpad of America’s combat airpower. Wherever there's a carrier overhead, there’s a Gladiator behind the stick.