Yellow Jolly Rogers flight helmet with black markings, a white skull-and-crossbones emblem, chin straps, and cable against a blue background.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Heritage Umbrella · United States Navy

Jolly Rogers

The Jolly Rogers carry a Navy aviation heritage passed between squadrons, with the skull-and-crossbones connecting generations.

About the Organization

The story began with Corsair crews fighting over the Solomon Islands in World War II. As squadrons closed, others took up the Jolly Rogers name and skull-and-crossbones, keeping the tradition flying through Crusaders, Phantoms, Tomcats and Super Hornets. Today, VFA-103 carries that heritage forward.

Heritage begins

VF-17, January 1943

Original commander

Lt. Cmdr. John T. Blackburn

The bones tradition

Honors the legend of Ensign Jack Ernie

Radio call sign today

Victory