Marcin Witkowski, Poland Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 (edited) Can somebody help me to figure out what these signs means? I'd like to know for what squadron earned it and what's the history (tradition) behind these awards. Edited June 21, 2008 by Marcin Witkowski, Poland Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Reddog Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 (edited) This Tomcat looks like the gate guard at Oceana so it appears that VFA-31 won those awards. The tradition at Oceana when I was there was that the Tomcat squadron that won the Battle E was responsible for painting and maintianing the Tomcat, who ever won the Safety award painted the Phantom. The rest of the gate guard aircraft were assigned to squadron by the wing for painting and maintenance. The awards are, going from left to right: The anchor is the Golden Anchor Award and is giving to the command that has the best retention of presonnel, i.e., who has the most people re-enlist and other retention programs. The next one is for the Bombing Derby, it is given to the squadron that has the best air to ground program. The trophy one I don't know, can't read it. The Tomcat with the M is for, I believe, maintenance program, not quit sure, usually it's a golden wrench that represents the award. Edit: after looking at it again it maybe the MUTHA Award, an award given for the squadron with the most "spirit" I believe. We use to call it FAS. And the E in felix's bomb is the Battle Efficience (Battle E) Award, given for the best squadron in type, i.e., the Fighter get one, the E-2's get one, etc. As far as the history, I haven't kept up with who has gotten them over the years so I can't help you with that. HTH Reddog FAS = Freaking Aircrew Stuff. :P Edited June 21, 2008 by Reddog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vesper Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Only thing thats missing is the Mutha award . . . Ves Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Johnopfor Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 The golden anchor award is the "Draggin your @ss!" award The second bomb award is the "This danm thing is a dud" award The third trophy cup award is the "I need a beer" award And the last one is the "Yea, team" award Sorry, I couldn't resist...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stealthy1 Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 I don't think the M is the MUTHA, that's usually represented by the word "MUTHA" written across the top of the tails, look for VF-103 and VF-213, they won it each. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Mullen Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 (edited) Heres a link to the >> MATS << site describing the various awards, and to >> Tomcat Alley << Third one along is the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy is presented annually to the ship or aviation squadron in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets that has achieved the greatest improvement during the preceding year. Among the factors considered are operational accomplishments, performance in inspections, awards and retention. HTH Edited June 22, 2008 by Andy Mullen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VFA-103guy Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 I don't think the M is the MUTHA, that's usually represented by the word "MUTHA" written across the top of the tails, look for VF-103 and VF-213, they won it each. You are exactly right! VF-31 didn't take MUTHA during the last of their tomcat days. If I'm not mistaken, the "M" in question is a maintenance award. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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