Two distinct squadrons have been called the Grim Reapers, VF-10 and later VF-101, which is the main subject of this article. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation or nickname[1]. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.
With the phase out of the F-14 Tomcat, the need for a replacement squardron no longer exists. Due to that fact, VF-101 was disestablished on September 30, 2005.Â
At 1100 hours on September 15, 2005, the â??Grim Reapersâ?? of Fighter Squadron 101 were retired.  The original Grim Reapers were commissioned shortly after Pearl Harbor in 1942 as Fighter Squadron 10, flying F-4F Wildcats at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego.   During World War II, Fighter Squadron 10 was credited with 217 kills and an additional 24 probables and was the only squadron to operate Wildcats, F-6F Hellcats and F-4U Corsairs.  The squadron was decommissioned in November of 1945.
