and the F-8 Crusader at NAS Moffett Field. On 9 March 1959, VF-24 traded air wings, insignia, and designations with the VF-211 Checkmates. VF-211 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21) aboard for a Western Pacific deployment from 25 April to 3 December 1959. 1960s In 1961 the squadron moved to NAS Miramar, which would be its home for the next 35 years. Vietnam War VF-211 made eight deployments during the Vietnam War. From 21 October 1964 to 29 May 1965, VF-211 equipped with F-8Es was deployed on . On 21 February F-8E #150897 lost power on launch, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. From 10 November 1965 to 1 August 1966, VF-211 was deployed on USS Hancock. On 24 December F-8E #150891 was lost, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 28 April F-8E #150867 hit a mountain during an air strike, the pilot LT Thomas Brown was killed in action, body not recovered. On 2 May F-8E #149169 was lost due to hydraulic failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 23 May F-8E #150901 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 12 June, CDR Harold Marr shot down a Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) MiG-17. On 21 June, LTJG Phil Vampatella and LT Eugene Chancy each shot down a MiG-17, while F-8E #149152 was shot down by a MiG-17, the pilot LTJG Cole Black ejected successfully, was captured and released on 12 February 1973. From 26 January to 25 August 1967, VF-211 was deployed on . On 1 May LTCDR M Wright shot down a VPAF MiG-17. On 19 May CDR Paul Speer and LTJG Joseph Shea each shot down a MiG-17. On 19 May F-8E #150930 was hit by a SAM-2, the pilot LTCDR Kay Russell ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973. On 21 May F-8E #150348 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 6 June F-8E #150303 was hit by antiaircraft fire, the pilot LTJG Thomas Hall ejected successfully, was captured and released on 4 March 1973. On 21 July LTCDR Tim Hubbard shot down a MiG-17. From 18 July 1968 to 3 March 1969, VF-211 equipped with F-8Hs was deployed on USS Hancock. On 24 August F-8H #148694 was lost due to hydraulic failure, the pilot ejected successfully and was rescued. On 15 November