Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-214 is one of the best known Marine Corps squadrons after it was memorialized in the television series "Baa Baa Black Sheep."

The squadron was activated on July 1, 1942 and known as the "Swashbucklers."  After two tours as the Swashbucklers, the squadron was broken up and the pilots assigned to other units.  The  numerical designation "214" was reassigned to Major Gregory Boyington in late 1943 and VMF-214 became known as the "Blacksheep".  The squadron is still active today designated VMA-214 flying the Harrier.

The Blacksheep flew F4-U Corsairs from Espiritu Santo in the Pacific where "Pappy" Boyington’s prowess for downing Japanese aircraft set the tone as he welded his squadron into one of the most successful in the Pacific.

Pappy was a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps before WWII, but he resigned his commission to join the Flying Tigers in China where he was credited with six victories. He returned to the Marine Corps and wangled his way into a combat squadron where he added twenty-two more victories earning the Congressional Medal of Honor.

VMF-214 had its first Blacksheep patch made while on R&R in Australia in late 1943. We meticulously copied our Blacksheep patch from an original patch worn by Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington.  This second version with the #214 added to the shield, was made in the States.