{"product_id":"av8-ace-vp-71-squadron-vintage-naval-aviation-tee","title":"AV8 Ace – VP-71 Squadron Vintage Naval Aviation Tee","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Patrol Squadron 71, later redesignated VPB-71, earned distinction during World War II as one of the Navy’s famed “Black Cat” squadrons. Flying the versatile Consolidated PBY Catalina painted in flat black camouflage, the squadron specialized in nighttime anti-shipping strikes, reconnaissance, antisubmarine warfare, and air-sea rescue operations throughout the Pacific Theater. Operating primarily under cover of darkness, VP-71 crews became experts at low-level surprise attacks against Japanese convoys and supply routes, helping disrupt enemy logistics during critical stages of the Pacific campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom bases across New Guinea, Rendova, the Treasury Islands, and other forward operating locations, the “Black Cats” carried out daring night bombing and strafing missions against heavily defended enemy shipping. Their modified Catalinas prowled coastlines and harbors in near silence before launching attacks at masthead height, often under intense anti-aircraft fire. In addition to offensive operations, the squadron conducted “Dumbo” rescue missions, locating and recovering downed Allied airmen from dangerous combat zones. VP-71 also provided vital air coverage during the Allied landings at Bougainville in November 1943, supporting the broader island-hopping campaign across the South Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe squadron’s aggressive tactics and operational success led to the destruction of tens of thousands of tons of Japanese shipping and earned the unit the prestigious Navy Unit Commendation. Reorganized and redesignated as VPB-71 in 1944, the squadron continued combat and patrol operations through the final stages of the war. Following Japan’s surrender, VPB-71 operated from China as part of the Allied occupation forces before the unit was eventually deactivated. The legacy of the “Black Cats” remains one of innovation, courage, and relentless nighttime warfare in the Pacific skies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon\u003cbr\u003e• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz\/yd² (115.3 g\/m²)\u003cbr\u003e• Pre-shrunk for extra durability\u003cbr\u003e• 40 singles\u003cbr\u003e• Regular fit\u003cbr\u003e• Side-seamed construction\u003cbr\u003e• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AV8 ACE","offers":[{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609279353203,"sku":"4089656_6504","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609279385971,"sku":"4089656_6505","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609279418739,"sku":"4089656_6506","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609279451507,"sku":"4089656_6507","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609279484275,"sku":"4089656_6508","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609279517043,"sku":"4089656_6509","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Charcoal-Black Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609279549811,"sku":"4089656_6510","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609279582579,"sku":"4089656_6552","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609279615347,"sku":"4089656_6553","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609279648115,"sku":"4089656_6554","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609279680883,"sku":"4089656_6555","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609279713651,"sku":"4089656_6556","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609279746419,"sku":"4089656_6557","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Navy Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609279779187,"sku":"4089656_6558","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609279811955,"sku":"4089656_6576","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609279844723,"sku":"4089656_6577","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609279877491,"sku":"4089656_6578","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609279910259,"sku":"4089656_6579","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609279943027,"sku":"4089656_6580","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609279975795,"sku":"4089656_6581","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Red Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609280008563,"sku":"4089656_6582","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609280041331,"sku":"4089656_17374","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609280074099,"sku":"4089656_17375","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609280106867,"sku":"4089656_17376","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609280139635,"sku":"4089656_17377","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609280172403,"sku":"4089656_17378","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609280205171,"sku":"4089656_17379","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Olive Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609280237939,"sku":"4089656_17386","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609280270707,"sku":"4089656_6472","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609280303475,"sku":"4089656_6473","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609280336243,"sku":"4089656_6474","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609280369011,"sku":"4089656_6475","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609280401779,"sku":"4089656_6476","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609280434547,"sku":"4089656_6477","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Athletic Grey Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609280467315,"sku":"4089656_6478","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ XS","offer_id":62609280500083,"sku":"4089656_16792","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ S","offer_id":62609280532851,"sku":"4089656_16793","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ M","offer_id":62609280565619,"sku":"4089656_16794","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ L","offer_id":62609280598387,"sku":"4089656_16795","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ XL","offer_id":62609280631155,"sku":"4089656_16796","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ 2XL","offer_id":62609280663923,"sku":"4089656_16797","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid White Triblend \/ 3XL","offer_id":62609280696691,"sku":"4089656_16798","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0981\/9960\/1523\/files\/unisex-tri-blend-t-shirt-athletic-grey-triblend-front-and-back-69b6fbc94e880.jpg?v=1773599705","url":"https:\/\/av8ace.com\/products\/av8-ace-vp-71-squadron-vintage-naval-aviation-tee","provider":"AV8 ACE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}