What is vf-43?

VF-43 was a United States Navy fighter squadron that was established on July 1, 1950, as VF-871 and redesignated as VF-43 on February 4, 1953. The squadron saw combat during the Korean War, where it operated the F4U-4 Corsair fighter aircraft. In 1955, VF-43 transitioned to the F9F-8 Cougar jet fighter and later to the F8U-1 Crusader in 1958.

From 1964 to 1970, VF-43 operated the F-4B Phantom II and was deployed multiple times throughout the Vietnam War. The squadron was also involved in operations during the Cold War, including frequent deployments to the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

In 1975, VF-43 was disestablished as part of a general drawdown of squadron numbers in the Navy. Its lineage was later carried on by Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), which operated the F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and was also known as the "Pukin' Dogs".