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US Navy - Fighter Squadron 154 (FITRON 154)
VF-154 'Black Knights'
 
vf-154 black knights insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron us navy 02x
 vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat f-4 phantom 07x
 03/19
STATUS:   Reserve Squadron VF-837 activated on February 1, 1951
VF-837 redesignated VF-154 on February 4, 1953
VF-154 redesignated VFA-154 on October 1, 2003
 AIRCRAFT:   Grumman F9F-2/5 Panther (1953-1955)
North American FJ-3 Fury (1955-56)
Vought F8U-1/2 Crusader (1957-62)
Vought F-8D Crusader (1962-65)
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (1966-68)
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1968-79)
McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II (1979-80)
McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II (1981-83)
Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1983-2003)
 DEPLOYMENTS:   January 1953 - September 1953 with CVG-15 aboard USS Princeton (CVA 37)
July 1954 - February 1955 with CVG-15 aboard USS Yorktown (CVA 10)
February 1958 - October 1958 with CVG-15 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)
August 1959 - January 1960 with CVG-15 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)
September 1960 - May 1961 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
December 1961 - July 1962 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
February 1963 - November 1963 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
December 1964 - November 1965 with CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
July 1966 - February 1967 with CVW-2 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
September 1967 - May 1968 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
October 1968 - May 1969 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
October 1969 - June 1970 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
October 1970 - June 1971 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
November 1972 - June 1973 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
May 1974 - October 1974 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
January 1976 - September 1976 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CV 61)
January 1979 - September 1979 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CV 61)
May 1981 - June 1981 with CVW-14 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)
August 1981 - March 1982 with CVW-14 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)
March 1983 - September 1983 with CVW-14 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)
February 1985 - August 1985 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
September 1986 - October 1986 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
April 1987 - October 1987 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
December 1988 - June 1989 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
September 1989 - October 1989 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
April 1990 - December 1990 with CVW-14 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)
 
August 1991 - September 2003
 permanently assigned to CVW-5 and forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan
August 1991 - July 1988 - aboard USS Independence (CV 62)
July 1988 - September 2003 - aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
 
images

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 40 naf atsugi japan
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - September 24, 2003

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 42 naf atsugi japan forward deployed
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - September 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) departing NAF Atsugi, Japan for the last time - September 2003

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F-14A Tomcats (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2003

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F-14A Tomcats (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) flying over the memorial on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima Island - January 2003

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - May 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2002

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2002

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 09 aim-54 phoenix missile
an AIM-54 Phoenix missile was loaded onto a F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2001

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - March 2001

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2000

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 51 uss kitty hawk cv-63
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2000

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 03 naf atsugi japan
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - July 2000

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 1999

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) during Operation Southern Watch - April 1998

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 55 operation southern watch
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) during Operation Southern Watch - April 1998

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 02 aim-54 phoenix missile
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - March 1998

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 66 uss independence cv-62
F-14A Tomcats (1xx - VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - February 1998

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 64 naf atsugi japan
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - January 1997

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - January 1997

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - August 1994

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-5 06 iwo jima mount suribachi
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) over Iwo Jima - August 1994

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-5) near Mount Fuji, Japan - 1994

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 62 uss independence cv-62
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - August 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - August 1990

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 uss constellation cv-64
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - September 1989

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 60 uss constellation cv-64
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - September 1989

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1988

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) during exercise Gallant Eagle 88 at NAS Fallon, Nevada - August 1988

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 57 nas fallon nevada
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) during exercise Gallant Eagle 88 at NAS Fallon, Nevada - August 1988

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) during exercise Gallant Eagle 88 at NAS Fallon, Nevada - August 1988

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - July 1987

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1986

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 13 soviet antonov an-12 colt
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) intercepting a Soviet Antonov An-12 Colt aircraft - 1987

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 47 aim-54c phoenix missile aam
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) firing an AIM-54 Phoenix missile - March 1985

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 1984

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 1984

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - 1984

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 61 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F-14A Tomcat (VF-154 / CVW-14) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 1984


vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4n phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-14 21 uss coral sea cv-43
F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1983

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F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1983

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F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1983

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4n phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-14 20 uss coral sea cv-43
F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - December 1981

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F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - November 1981

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4n phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-14 16
F-4N Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - May 1981

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-2 19 uss ranger cv-61
F-4J Phantom II (VF-21 + VF-154 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - January 1970

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-2 18 uss ranger cva-61
F-4J Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - January 1970

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f-4b phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-2 17 uss ranger cv-61 vietnam war
F-4B Phantom II (VF-154 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) droppig Mk.82 bombs over Vietnam - February 1968


vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f8u-2 f-8d crusader carrier air wing cvw-15 44 uss coral sea cva-43
F8U-2N / F-8D Crusader (VF-154 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - circa 1962

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f8u-2 f-8d crusader carrier air wing cvw-15 22 uss coral sea cva-43
F8U-2N / F-8D Crusader (VF-154 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - circa 1962

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F8U-2N / F-8D Crusader (VF-154 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - circa 1962

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f8u-1 crusader carrier air group cvg-15 uss coral sea cva-43
F8U-1E Crusader (VF-154 / CVG-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - March 1961

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f8u-1 crusader carrier air group cvg-15 23 uss hancock cva-19 barrier landing
F8U-1 Crusader (VF-154 / CVG-15) after a barrier landing on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1958


vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f9f-5 panther carrier air group cvg-15 26 uss yorktown cva-10
F9F-5 Panther (VF-154 / CVG-15) embarked on USS Yorktown (CVA 10) - 1954

vf-154 black knights fighter squadron us navy f9f-5 panther carrier air group cvg-15 25 uss princeton cva-37
F9F-5 Panther (VF-154 / CVG-15) embarked on USS Princeton (CVA 37) - May 1953
 
 
History:

VF-154 arose when a Naval Reserve squadron was called to operational duty for the Korean war. The squadron was activated as VFB-718 upon the 1st of July 1946. Initially based at NAS Floyd Bennett, NY, their first mount was the F-6F Hellcat, soon followed by the F-4U Corsair. As well as changing aircraft, the squadron went through several designation changes, becoming VF-68A then VF-837. During their time as VF-837 the squadron moved from NAS Floyd Bennett to NAS Moffett Field, CA.

F9F-2B Panther
VF-837 flew a combat cruise in the Korean war, flying off the USS Antietam (CV 36). By this point they had moved from the F-4U Corsairs to F9F-2 Panthers. VF-837 returned from their first cruise and started working up for a second. On the 4th of February 1953 while passing under the Golden Gate Bridge onboard the USS Princeton (CV 37) and on their way back to Korea, VF-837 was officially redesignated VF-154.

F4B Phantom II
After the Panther, VF-154 acquired the F-3J Fury, followed by the F-8 Crusader in 1957. The new F-8 persuaded VF-154 to change their insignia and name. The squadron was known as “The Grand Slammers” with the insignia of a flaming panther. The new insignia, designed by Milton Caniff, creator of the Steve Canyon cartoon, was the Black Knight, armed with a sword to strike down the enemies of peace and justice and a shield to protect those unable to protect themselves.

F14A Tomcat
Their first combat deployment of the Vietnam war was in 1965, onboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43) as part of CVW-15. Their first combat strikes occurred on the 7th of February. After that, yearly combat cruises followed. The time between the first and subsequent cruises was put to good use as VF-154 transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II; at that time the standard aircraft for Naval fighter squadrons. As well as changing aircraft VF-154 moved from CVW-15, where it had resided since its establishment to become part of CVW-2, where it remained until 1980. After a second cruise onboard the Coral Sea the Black Knights shifted to the USS Ranger (CV 61), completing five further cruises to South East Asia.

After the 1970 cruise VF-154 upgraded their aircraft again, this time gaining the F-4J version of the Phantom II. With this new aircraft the squadron’s final Vietnam tour took place. The timing saw VF-154 taking place in some of the last US Navy strikes of the war. This last combat tour saw such a high standard from the Black Knights that they were awarded the Clifton Award, recognizing them as the best fighter squadron in the Navy.

The Black Knights gained the last Navy version of the Phantom II, the F-4S, in 1979, but returned to the earlier F-4N version. Several cruises onboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) followed, as this carrier did not have strong enough decks to carry the larger, heavier F-14. Thus VF-154 (and sister squadron, VF-21), were among the last to convert to the F-14A.

VF-154 finally transitioned to the F-14A beginning in October of 1983. Due to their late transition to the Tomcat the squadron received TARPS equipped F-14’s from the start. The first cruise with the F-14A was in 1985 onboard the USS Constellation (CV-64), as part of CVW-14. Several further cruises onboard ‘Connie’ followed, with one taking place in 1987. This eventful cruise saw VF-154 operating around the Persian Gulf, intercepting Iranian P-3F’s and conducting movements in the Gulf of Oman (at the so called “Gonzo” station).

After the cruises onboard Constellation, CVW-14 moved to the USS Independence (CV-62) and it was as part of this team that saw VF-154 and VF-21 become the first F-14 squadrons to arrive in the Persian Gulf as part of “Desert Shield”. Due to taking part in “Desert Shield” and having been deployed for several months already VF-154 and Independence returned to the USA before Desert Storm began.

The USS Independence moved in August 1991 to her home base at Yokosuka, Japan, to replace the USS Midway(CV-41). VF-154 stayed with the carrier for this, but moved from CVW-14 to CVW-5 and from NAS Miramar to NAF Atsugi, thus becoming the first forward deployed F-14 squadron. At the same time as joining CVW-5, VF-154 became the first F-14 squadron to deploy with an air-to-ground bombing capability.

With the drawdown in F-14 squadrons during the mid-1990s, VF-154’s sister squadron, VF-21, was disestablished, leaving the Black Knights as the only F-14 squadron in CVW-5. The Black Knights left the Independence and moved to the Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in the spring of 2000. At this point, VF-154 was flying the oldest Tomcats in the fleet off of the oldest ship in the Navy.

In January of 2003, VF-154 and CVW-5, were ordered back to the Kitty Hawk only a few weeks after completing a very successful fall at sea period. The Black Knights sailed west and into the Persian Gulf in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Due to the squadron’s excellent reputation, four jets were flown off the Kitty Hawk and operated from the beach during the war. VF-154 dropped over 320 tons of ordnance and flew nearly 300 sorties during OIF.

While forward deployed to Japan, the Black Knights would routinely go out to sea twice a year; once in the fall and once in the spring. Hong Kong, Guam and Singapore became very familiar ports and served as welcome breaks from pitching decks and the Kitty Hawk.

In September of 2003 the Black Knights left Atsugi for the last time and ended their proud 13 years in Japan. All 11 jets made it across the Pacific and back into the break at Oceana, thus ending the Black Knights’ twenty years in the Tomcat.

F/A-18F Super Hornet
In October of 2003 VF-154 was redesignated VFA-154 and began transitioning to the Navy’s newest strike fighter, the F/A-18F Rhino. From October 2003 to June 2004, aircrew and maintainers of VFA-154 learned to fly and upkeep the new F/A-18F’s. Only two weeks after achieving the “Safe for Flight” designation, the squadron once again found itself embarked, marking the start of a dynamic workup cycle in preparation for deployment. Throughout the rest of 2004, VFA-154 participated in demanding workup exercises to make sure aircrews and squadron personnel would be ready to fight with the new airframe.

source: VFA-154 website

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another history:

VFB-718 was established on 1 July 1946 as a Naval Reserve squadron at NAS New York in New York flying the F6F Hellcat. Soon they transitioned to the F4U Corsair. The unit went through several designation changes, becoming VF-68A then VF-837.

When the unit was called VF-837 the squadron moved to NAS Moffett Field in California. VF-837 flew a combat cruise in the Korean War of USS Antietam. By this time they were flying the F9F-2 Panther.

VF-837 returned from their first cruise and started working up for a second cruise. On February 4, 1953 while passing under the Golden Gate Bridge on board USS Princeton and on their way back to Korea, VF-837 was redesignated VF-154. VF-154 dropped 470 tons of bombs and expended 1,500,000 rounds of ammunition in Korea and on June 15, 1953 VF-154 flew 48 sorties on a single day, setting a record for a Navy squadron. By now the squadron had transitioned to the F9F-5 Panther. During this period until late 1957, the VF-154 insignia was a flaming black panther on a yellow background. In the late 1950s VF-154 flew the FJ-3 Fury.

In 1957 VF-154 transitioned to the Navy's first operational supersonic carrier aircraft, the F-8 Crusader. The combination of supersonic aircraft and modified World War II small deck, "27-Charley" carriers such as USS Hancock - VF-154's assigned carrier - was not easy on aircraft or pilots - VF-154 lost a full squadron of aircraft (14) and 20% of its pilots in the process.

In recognition of the new era and aircraft, VF-154 changed its insignia. Because of the new 1,000 mph fighters, the squadron was designated “The Grand Slammers” and a new insignia was designed by squadron pilot, John "Crash" Miottel with the final version drawn by the famous cartoonist Milton Caniff, creator of the Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon. The new insignia was a silver Crusader knight on a black field with 2 F-8 divisions (4 plane formations) crossing in the background. Because of the patch design, and the arrival of new Crusaders configured for night operations, the squadron unofficially became known as the "Black Knights." Their official radio call sign was "City Desk", but virtually every squadron had a local, unofficial (and usually derogatory) call sign, bestowed by the rest of the squadrons at their home base. As a derogatory play on "City Desk", VF-154's unofficial call sign was "City Dump", so all of the squadrons at home base, including the Admiral's staff, referred to them as 'The Dumpers'. The Black Knights designation was added to the insignia and the name and insignia remain as VF-154 symbols to this day.

In 1965 the squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing 15 on board USS Coral Sea to the Vietnam War. Their first combat strikes occurred on February 7 and their combat cruise lasted until November the same year. After that yearly combat cruises followed and VF-154 soon transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II and became part of Carrier Air Wing 2, where it remained until 1980. After a second cruise with USS Coral Sea, the squadron shifted carrier to USS Ranger and completing five more cruises to South East Asia.

During 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 WestPac cruises aboard USS Ranger, VF-154 was equipped with the F-4J Phantom II which used the Westinghouse AWG-10 RADAR system. Beginning with their 16 November 1972 deployment on board USS Ranger, VF-154 participated in some of the last US Navy strikes of the war, they undertook the squadrons final Vietnam cruise, and they were awarded the Clifton Award – recognizing them as the best fighter squadron in the United States Navy.

In 1979 the unit transitioned to the F-4S, the last Navy version of the aircraft, but returned to the F-4N in January 1981. Several cruises with USS Coral Sea followed, as the carrier did not have strong enough decks to carry the F-14A Tomcat. During this time VF-154 spent 120 days at sea of the coast of Iran during the Iranian hostage crisis until the hostages were formally released into United States custody. Thus VF-154, and sister squadron VF-21, were among the last units to convert to the F-14A. VF-154 finally transitioned to the F-14A in October 1983. Due to their late equipment, the squadron received TARPS capable F-14s from the start. The first cruise with the F-14 was in 1985 on board USS Constellation as part of Carrier Air Wing 14. Several further cruises on board USS Constellation followed, with one taking place in 1987, during this cruise they operated in the Persian Gulf, intercepting Iranian P-3s and conducting movements in the Gulf of Oman, at the so-called "Gonzo" station.

After the cruises with USS Constellation, CVW-14 moved to USS Independence. Aboard Independence, VF-154 and VF-21 became the first F-14 squadrons to arrive in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield, although they never took part in Operation Desert Storm as USS Independence returned to the US before the war started.

In August 1991, USS Independence become home based at Yokosuka, Japan, to replace USS Midway. VF-154 stayed with the carrier for this, but moved from CVW-14 to Carrier Air Wing 5 and from NAS Miramar to NAF Atsugi, thus becoming the first forward deployed F-14 squadron. At the same time as joining CVW-5 VF-154 became the first F-14 squadron to deploy with an air-to- ground bombing capability. Along with USS Nimitz, USS Independence and her air wing were involved in operations to demonstrate US resolve in support of Taiwan. The 1995 Chinese military exercises once raised tension in the region and signalled China's opposition to Taiwan’s Presidential Election.

With the cut back on F-14 squadrons, VF-154's sister squadron, VF-21, was disestablished, leaving them as the only F-14 squadron in CVW-5. It was at this time that VF-154 absorbed a large amount of personnel and aircraft from VF-21. This increased the number of aircraft to 16 and VF-154 turned in to a "super squadron" due to size of personnel and number of aircraft. As well as keeping their TARPS role, VF-154 have become very active in the air-to-ground role. Regular deployments aboard USS Independence continued with carrier qualifications on board during November 1996.

The squadron arrived in Fremantle, Australia, on April 11, 1997, having just completed participation in the exercise 'Tandem Thrust'. With VF-154's F-14As severely showing their age the squadron swapped six of its worst airframes for six from VF-213, which had visited on board USS Kitty Hawk, a few weeks earlier. The squadron finally received LANTIRN upgrades to their F-14As in the last quarter of 1997 and January 1998. Although relatively late in the upgrade cycle, VF-154 was able to benefit - their F-14As being the first in the Fleet to receive the new AN/ALR-67 Radar Warning Receiver.

On January 5, 1998 CVW-5 was called to action due to trouble in the Persian Gulf. USS Independence arrived to the area on February 4. VF-154 was leading the first CVW-5 flight package into southern Iraq within 24 hours. Although the tension eased the carrier and air wing remained on station until the end of May. Several missions were flown each day as part of Operation Southern Watch. With their new LANTIRN pods VF-154 were able to provide high quality video of potential targets day or night.

In July 1998 CVW-5 made their last cruise on board USS Independence. After a cross Pacific transit to Pearl Harbor the air wing cross decked to their new home - USS Kitty Hawk. During the transfer, USS Kitty Hawk picked up the "Don't Tread On Me" Jack – signifying her as the oldest ship on active service. Once again the shore period was short, on August 30 the air wing and carrier departed once more. Training began with a VF-154 organised MISSILEX - the F-14's shooting four AIM-54s and downing four targets. The cruise continued with Foal Eagle exercises in the seas around Korea. By the time the squadron returned to port during November they had spent 240 days at sea. The squadron gaining numerous awards, most notably the Pacific Fleet Battle 'E', Safety 'S' and 'Boola-Boola' missile awards and the Clifton award.
In January 1999 squadron aircraft deployed to Guam for SFARP training. A few weeks later they received their first Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) equipped jets. On the March 2, VF-154 sailed on board USS Kitty Hawk for their first full WESTPAC deployment. During the four months of cruise the squadron took part in Tandem Thrust '99, an unexpected Persian Gulf period (due to USS Theodore Roosevelt being called to cover events in Kosovo), plus port visits to Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. The cruise also saw a new first - two Naval Aviators reaching 1,000 traps on the same day. Captain. R. McHarg, Commander, Air Group of CVW-5 landed on board in a specially painted VF-154 F-14A. His pilot for the historic trap was Lieutenant. D. Baxter. Later the same day the Commanding Officer of VFA-27, Commander. K. Hutcheson, made his landing in a F/A-18. Both landings took place in the Persian Gulf, where USS Kitty Hawk and CVW-5 completed 5,426 sorties, including 1,356 combat missions over Southern Iraq.

Between 1999 and 2002, VF-154 would participate in five deployments in the Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean. In 2001, CVW-5 flew more than 600 missions and 100 combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2003, VF-154 would make their last cruise with the F-14, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This would be the first time CVW-5 would deploy to the Persian Gulf since 1999. USS Kitty Hawk arrived on station on February 26 and CVW-5 was chosen to be the dedicated Close Air Support wing. VF-154 deployed with 12 F-14As and detached five F-14As and five air crews to the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar where these F-14s and its crews would work closely with Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado’s, USAF F-15E’s, F-16CGs and F-16CJs and Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18As. CENTCOM had contacted CVW-5 and specifically asked for the air wing to deploy Forward Air Controller capable Tomcats and crews to support coalition land-based aircraft as well as Special Forces squads operating inside Iraq. The F-14s were usually paired with the aircraft already deployed to the airbase, dropping bomb themselves or guiding other aircraft bombs. The aircrews would fly daily missions and in one 48-hour period the VF-154 detachment flew 14 sorties totalling 100 hours of flight time. The crews at Al Udeid flew more than 300 combat hours and delivered 50 000 pounds of ordnance, (98 GBU-12s) during the 21-day stay at the airbase.

On April 1, 2003, VF-154 lost one of its aircraft over southern Iraq when it suffered a single engine and fuel transfer system failure which caused the remaining engine to run dry. The crew, already two hours into its mission and having dropped some bombs, ejected and was soon picked up by an HH-60G helicopter. This F-14A was the first coalition aircraft to crash as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The remaining F-14s on USS Kitty Hawk, piloted mostly by junior officers, expended 246 GBU-12s, ten GBU-16s and four GBU-10s during 27 days of combat. By the end of the war, VF-154 had dropped 358 laser-guided bombs, buddy-lased 65 more and passed target coordinates for 32 JDAMs in 286 sorties. The squadron had expended more ordnance than any other unit in CVW-5, despite flying the oldest jets in the air wing.

In September 2003 VF-154 left NAF Atsugi for the last time and ended their 13 years in Japan and 20 years in the Tomcat. A month later, VF-154 was redesignated VFA-154 at its new home at NAS Lemoore, California, and began transitioning to the Navy's newest strike fighter, the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
source: wikipedia
 
 
 
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