Patrol Bombing Squadron Seventy One (VPB-71) was originally established as VP-12F on November 1, 1935 in NAS Seattle, Washington. It was during World War II, in 1944, after reorganization of fleet patrols and several re-designations, that the squadron became VPB-71. Soon after they began flying Black Cat night operations in the South Pacific, Formosa and along the coast of China. VPB-71 is credited with sinking around 85,000 tons of Japanese shipping vessels on these dangerous missions, which earned them the Navy Unit Commendation.
Our Bottoms Up Tee is part of our 40th Anniversary Collection. The artwork is referenced from the actual Nose Art that was painted on the fuselage of this World War II bomber.
