Operation Engraved Honor

VF-142 Ghostriders F-14A Tomcat – USS America CV-66 – 1976 – 15 oz Black Mug - Ship Free

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Color Black

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VF-142 Ghostriders F-14A Tomcat – USS America CV-66 – 1976 – 15 oz Black Mug

VF-142 Ghostriders — 1976 Naval Aviation Tribute

Honor the history of Fighter Squadron 142 “Ghostriders,” the Grumman F-14A Tomcat, and USS America CV-66 with this detailed 15 oz black ceramic tribute mug.

This design represents VF-142 during an important period in the squadron's history: its early years flying the F-14A Tomcat with Carrier Air Wing Six aboard USS America.

The wraparound artwork combines the legendary Ghostriders Grim Reaper insignia, a detailed early F-14A, USS America, period-style squadron markings, a subdued American flag, Naval Aviation wings, and the Operation Engraved Honor dog tag.

The silver, gold, black, yellow and red artwork was designed specifically for the gloss-black mug, giving it the appearance of a piece of Naval Aviation memorabilia rather than an ordinary coffee cup.

The History Behind the Mug

VF-142 “Ghostriders”

The squadron that became VF-142 began life as VF-193 in 1948 and was redesignated VF-142 on October 15, 1963. The Ghostriders subsequently flew the F-4 Phantom II and completed repeated combat deployments during the Vietnam War, including operations from carriers such as USS Constellation and USS Enterprise. Naval Aviation historical records document VF-142 engaging enemy MiGs during those combat cruises. Naval History and Heritage Command

Following a 1974 Mediterranean deployment aboard USS America, VF-142 transitioned from the Phantom to the new Grumman F-14A Tomcat. In 1975 the squadron moved from NAS Miramar to NAS Oceana and joined Carrier Air Wing Six, setting the stage for the deployment represented by this mug. Naval History and Heritage Command

USS America CV-66 — Mediterranean Deployment, 1976

On April 15, 1976, USS America departed for the Mediterranean with Carrier Air Wing Six embarked. VF-142 and sister squadron VF-143 provided the air wing's F-14A fighter force. The deployment continued until October 25, 1976. Naval History and Heritage Command

The cruise came during a particularly tense period in the Mediterranean. USS America and CVW-6 participated in Operation Fluid Drive, maintaining readiness in connection with the evacuation of civilians from Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War while also monitoring Soviet naval activity in the region. Naval History and Heritage Command

The carrier and air wing also participated in major multinational exercises including Open Gate, National Week XXI, Poop Deck 3-76, and Display Determination, operating alongside other U.S. and NATO forces throughout the Mediterranean. Naval History and Heritage Command

One of VF-142's notable Cold War milestones occurred during this period. On April 23, 1976, the Ghostriders carried out an early Atlantic Fleet F-14 intercept of a Soviet Tu-95 Bear reconnaissance aircraft—exactly the type of fleet air-defense mission for which the Tomcat had been designed. Wikipedia

The Aircraft Represented

The artwork is based around an early VF-142 F-14A carrying the AE tail code and Modex 200, representing the Ghostriders' Carrier Air Wing Six configuration aboard USS America during the 1976 Mediterranean cruise.

Aviation references identify F-14A BuNo 159446 / AE-200 with VF-142 during this period, making it an especially appropriate aircraft to represent this chapter of Ghostriders history. WINGS Aviation

That historical connection is why the mug includes:

VF-142 Ghostriders
F-14A Tomcat
AE carrier-air-wing markings
Modex 200
USS America CV-66
1976
Ghostriders Grim Reaper insignia
Naval Aviation wings
Operation Engraved Honor dog tag

Designed to Preserve the Story

For the sailors and aircrews who served with these units, a squadron patch or aircraft number can immediately bring back an entire chapter of life:

The carrier.

The cruise.

The flight deck.

The maintenance shop.

The ready room.

The people they served beside.

That's the purpose behind our military aviation collection.

We want each mug to preserve a specific unit, aircraft, ship, and period of service, rather than simply placing a military logo on a coffee cup.

Product Details

15 oz Black Ceramic Military Aviation Mug

Premium 15 oz capacity
Gloss black ceramic
Full wraparound artwork
VF-142 Ghostriders design
Grumman F-14A Tomcat
USS America CV-66
1976 Mediterranean deployment theme
Dishwasher safe
Microwave safe
Professionally printed
Individually packaged
Created for veterans, families and aviation collectors

A Great Gift For

This mug is especially suited for:

VF-142 Ghostriders veterans
USS America CV-66 veterans
F-14 Tomcat pilots and RIOs
Naval Aviation maintainers
Aircraft carrier sailors
Flight-deck personnel
U.S. Navy veterans
Military families
Squadron reunion gifts
Retirement gifts
F-14 collectors
Naval Aviation historians
Military aviation enthusiasts

The F-14 Honor Series

The F-14 Tomcat served with some of the most recognizable fighter squadrons in U.S. Naval Aviation history.

Our F-14 Honor Series is being built squadron by squadron, pairing historically appropriate aircraft markings with the ships and deployment periods associated with those units whenever the historical record allows.

The goal is simple:

Preserve the aircraft. Preserve the unit. Preserve the story.

Supporting Operation Engraved Honor

A portion of every mug sold helps support Operation Engraved Honor's veteran outreach mission.

Operation Engraved Honor works to recognize veterans, military families and others in the veteran community through outreach and commemorative programs.

When you purchase one of these mugs, you're not only helping preserve military history.

You're helping us continue supporting veterans.

More Than a Coffee Mug

A tribute to VF-142 Ghostriders, the F-14A Tomcat, USS America CV-66, and the sailors and aircrews who carried their mission into the Mediterranean in 1976.

Every purchase helps support Operation Engraved Honor.

Product Specifications

Detail	Specification
Squadron	VF-142 Ghostriders
Aircraft	Grumman F-14A Tomcat
Carrier	USS America CV-66
Air Wing	Carrier Air Wing Six
Tail Code	AE
Aircraft Depicted	Modex 200
Era	1976
Deployment	Mediterranean
Capacity	15 oz
Material	Ceramic
Color	Gloss Black
Print	Wraparound
Microwave Safe	Yes
Dishwasher Safe	Yes
Supports	Operation Engraved Honor

Historical Tribute Notice

This product is an independently created historical military aviation tribute intended to recognize and preserve the history of the aircraft, ships, squadrons and service members represented in the artwork.

It is not an official product of, sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the United States Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, U.S. Navy, or aircraft manufacturer unless specifically stated otherwise.