Today, as part of Carrier Air Wing 11, the Blue Diamonds continue to embody the sharp edge of American airpower at sea. Early Diamonds: Cougars and CrusadersThe Blue Diamonds first took to the skies in the Grumman F9F-8 Cougar, a swept-wing jet that bridged the gap between straight-wing Panthers and supersonic fighters. The Blue Diamonds flew the Crusader into combat over Vietnam, escorting strike packages and tangling with North Vietnamese MiGs. Phantom PowerBy 1969, the Blue Diamonds transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a game-changer in naval aviation. The Diamond LegacyFrom Cougars and Crusaders to Hornets and Super Hornets, the Blue Diamonds have adapted to each generation of naval aviation with sharp precision.