VFA-102

Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VFA-102) is a United States Navy Strike Fighter squadron based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Their call sign is Dback, with the tail code NF, and they fly the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet.

History

Two distinct squadrons have been designated VF-102. The first VF-102 was established on 1 May 1952 flying the FG-1D and F9F-5. From November 1953 to September 1954, the squadron completed a world cruise aboard USS Tarawa (CV-40), visiting 10 foreign countries and transiting the Suez and Panama Canals. On 1 July 1955, VF-102 was redesignated VA-36 and moved from Naval Air Station Cecil Field to Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The second VF-102 was established in 1955, was eventually redesignated as VFA-102, and is the subject of the remainder of this article.

1950s

The second Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102), was established as VA-36 on 1 July 1955, and was immediately redesignated VF-102 on the same day (at the time, squadron designations were associated with their assigned airwing). The squadron was based at NAS Jacksonville flying the F2H Banshee. The Diamondbacks inaugural cruise took place aboard the USS Randolph in July 1956. After returning from deployment, the squadron transitioned to the F4D Skyray. In addition to four 20 mm internal cannons, the Skyray carried the new AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.

VFA

VFA may refer to:

VFA-83

Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83), also known as the "Rampagers", are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 7, their tailcode is AG and their radio callsign is Ram.

Insignia and nickname

The squadron was first known as the Roaring Bulls and the first insignia was approved by Chief of Naval Operations on 16 May 1950, consisting of a black bull with machine gun barrels for horns. The squadron was renamed and the first Rampager insignia was approved on 12 April 1957.

History

1950s

VFA-83 was originally formed as Naval Reserve Fighter Squadron 916 at NAS Squantum in Massachusetts in April 1950. VF-916 was called to active duty in NAS Jacksonville on 11 February 1951 and moved to NAS Oceana, Virginia in September 1951. The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) and was equipped with the Vought F4U-4 Corsair. CVG-8 was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa to the Mediterranean Sea from November 1951 to June 1952. Afterwards VF-916 transitioned to the Grumman F9F-5 Panther. They also flew the F8F Bearcat for a short time in 1952. On 4 February 1953, the squadron was redesignated fighter squadron VF-83. In the same year VF-83 made a deployment aboard the USS Coral Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. In August 1954, VF-83 transitioned to the Vought F7U-3M Cutlass equipped with the Sparrow I air-to-air missile, and on 1 July 1955 was re-designated as attack squadron VA-83. VA-83 made another deployment to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Intrepid in 1956, this being the first overseas deployment of a naval missile squadron.

VFA-192

Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192), also known as the "World Famous Golden Dragons", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at NAS Lemoore.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s first insignia was approved by the Chief of Naval Operations on 11 October 1945 and consisted of a reddish brown kangaroo with crimson boxing gloves on a white cloud. The squadron was known as the Fightin' Kangaroos. Following the squadron’s redesignation to VF-15A, the squadron changed its name to the Black Knights and a new insignia was approved on 24 November 1947. It was a black helmet with gold markings and a gold shield. When the squadron was redesignated VF-151, the helmet/shield insignia was modified and the Latin inscription In Omnia Paratus was added, meaning ever ready. A new squadron insignia was approved on 8 August 1950, consisting of a silver dragon and grey/black aircraft carrier. This design was modified with a yellow dragon, white nuclear symbol and white cloud with a red rising center when the squadron became VA-192 on 21 June 1956. The squadron took on the nickname Golden Dragons at this time.