vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy

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US Navy - Fighter Squadron 213 (FITRON 213)
VF-213 'Black Lions'
 
vf-213 black lions insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron us navy 02x
 vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy fitron f-14 tomcat 63x
 
STATUS:  established as VF-213 on June 22, 1955
VF-213 redesignated VFA-213 on April 2, 2006
AIRCRAFT:  McDonnell F2H Banshee (1955-57)
Douglas F4D Skyray (1957-60)
McDonnell F3H Demon (1960-64)
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (1964-70)
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1970-76)
Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1976-1997)
Grumman F-14D Tomcat (1997-2006)
DEPLOYMENTS: August 1956 - February 1957 with CVG-21 aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31)
July 1958 - December 1958 with CVG-21 aboard USS Lexington (CVA 16)
April 1959 - December 1959 with CVG-21 aboard USS Lexington (CVA 16)
October 1960 - June 1961 with CVG-21 aboard USS Lexington (CVA 16)
February 1962 - October 1962 with CVG-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)
June 1963 - December 1963 with CVG-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)
October 1965 - June 1966 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
November 1966 - June 1967 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
November 1967 - June 1968 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
December 1968 - September 1969 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
November 1979 - July 1971 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
February 1972 - November 1972 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63)
November 1973 - July 1974 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
May 1975 - December 1975 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
October 1977 - May 1978 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
March 1979 - September 1979 with CVW-11 aboard USS America (CV 66)
April 1981 - November 1981 with CVW-11 aboard USS America (CV 66)
September 1982 - April 1983 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
May 1984 - December 1984 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
January 1986 - August 1986 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
January 1988 - July 1988 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
September 1989 - March 1990 with CVW-11 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
September 1990 - November 1990 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
May 1991 - November 1991 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
June 1993 - December 1993 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
April 1995 - October 1995 with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
October 1996 - April 1997 with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
November 1998 - May 1999 with CVW-11 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
July 2001 - January 2002 with CVW-11 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
January 2003 - May 2003 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
September 2006 - March 2006 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
 
images

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The last F-14 Tomcat aircraft to fly a combat mission arrives on board Sherman Field at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
The F-14D aircraft bureau number 161159, was assigned to the Black Lions of Fighter Squadron Two One three (VF-213),
as part of Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
The aircraft will become a display aircraft at the National Museum of Naval Aviation - Pensacola, Florida - April 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213) - Pensacola, Florida - April 2006

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F-14D Tomcats assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) and the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213)
perform a fly-by in formation over NAS Oceana, Virginia. VF-213 and VF-31 are completing the final deployment with CVW-8 aboard
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcats assigned to VF-31 and VF-213 in formation over NAS Oceana, Virginia - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcats assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) and the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213) perform a
fly-by in formation. VF-213 and VF-31 are completing the final deployment with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 2006

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Lt. Ken Hockycko and Lt. Roy Emanuel, F-14D Tomcat pilots assigned to the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213),
launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in aircraft number 201. This marks the final launch of a F-14 on deployment.
VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 10, 2006

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Lt. Ken Hockycko and Lt. Roy Emanuel, F-14D Tomcat pilots assigned to the "Black Lions" of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213),
launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in aircraft number 201 - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcats launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to their homeport of Naval Air Station Oceana.
VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcats launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to their homeport of Naval Air Station Oceana.
VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcats launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to their homeport of Naval Air Station Oceana.
VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcats (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 10, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over the Persian Gulf - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over Iraq - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over the Persian Gulf - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over the Persian Gulf - November 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over the Persian Gulf - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) over the Persian Gulf - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) with a F/A-18A+ of VFA-204 over Louisiana - December 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) with a F/A-18A+ of VFA-204 over Louisiana - December 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2004

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F-14D Tomcats (VF-213 + VF-11) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - February 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2003

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2002

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2002

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2001

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 1999


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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 1993

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1990

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - 1989

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F-14A Tomcats (VF-213, 2xx / and VF-114, 1xx - CVW-11) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - 1984

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - January 1983

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213) near NAS Fallon, Nevada - November 1980

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213) near NAS Fallon, Nevada - November 1980

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213) near NAS Fallon, Nevada - November 1980

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) was loaded onto USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1977

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F-14A Tomcat (VF-213 / CVW-11) fires an AIM-7 Sparrow SAM missile - undated


vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom carrier air wing cvw-11 uss kitty hawk cv-63 97
F-4J Phantom II piloted by Lt. Paul Bennett of the Royal Navy and Capt. Gene Quist of the U. S. Air Force. This was the first time two aviators with such diversidfied backgrounds joined forces to record a flight. They were in an F-4J of Fighter Squadron VF-213 "Black Lions" on the catapult on board the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) operation in the South China Sea. VF-213 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the Kitty Hawk for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 21 May to 15 December 1975 (NNAM)

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F-4B Phantom II (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1968

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F-4B Phantom II (VF-213 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1968

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Two F-4G Phantom II of Fighter Squadron VF-213 "Black Lions" on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) during that carrier's deployment to Vietnam
from 19 October 1965 to 13 June 1966. The US Navy experimented with aircraft camouflage and painted half of the aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11)
with dark green colours to blend in with the Vietnamese jungle (NNAM) - June 1966

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F-4G Phantom II (BuNo 150642) of fighter squadron VF-213 Black Lions about to be launched from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63).
The Phantom is one of the short-lived USN-F-4Gs - January 1966

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F-4G Phantom II (BuNo 150484) of VF-213 Black Lions aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) during that carrier's deployment to Vietnam from 19 October 1965 to 13 June 1966. The US Navy experimented with aircraft camouflage and painted half of the aircraft of Attack Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) with dark green colours to blend in with the Vietnamese jungle. The Phantom is one of the short-lived USN-F-4Gs, 12 were converted from F-4Bs with AN/ASW-12 two-way datalink communication system and approach power compensator which, coupled with the shipboard AN/SPN-10 radar and AN/USC-1 datalink allowed hands-off carrier landings. All surviving F-4Gs were rebuilt as F-4Bs in October 1966, one had been shot down over Vietnam. The designation "F-4G" was later used for USAF "Wild Weasel" conversions of F-4Es (NNAM)

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F-4G Phantom II (BuNo 150645) of Fighter Squadron VF-213 in flight, in 1965. The Phantom is one of the short-lived USN-F-4Gs, 12 were converted from F-4Bs with AN/ASW-12 two-way datalink communication system and approach power compensator which, coupled with the shipboard AN/SPN-10 radar and AN/USC-1 datalink allowed hands-off carrier landings. This aircarft appeared with markings of "VF-116" 18 months earlier. No records could be found for this squadron. All aircraft were assigned to VF-213 "Black Lions" in 1964 and were deployed with Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) to Vietnam from 19 October 1965 to 13 June 1966 (NNAM)


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F-3B Demon (VF-213 / CVG-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1963

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F-3B Demon (VF-213 / CVG-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1963

vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy f-3b demon carrier air group cvg-21 uss hancock cva-19 86
F-3B Demons (VF-213 / CVG-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1963

vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy f3h-2 demon carrier air group cvg-21 uss lexington cva-16 100
F3H-2 Demon (BuNo 143454) (VF-213 / CVG-21) aboard USS Lexington (CVA 16) during a deployment to the Western Pacific from 29 October 1960 to 6 June 1961

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F3H-2 Demon (VF-213 / CVG-21) launches from USS Lexington (CVA 16) - 1961


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Douglas F4D-1 Skyrays (VF-213 / CVG-21) embarked on USS Lexington (CVA 16) during a deployment to the Western Pacific from 26 April to 2 December 1959

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F4D-1 Skyrays (VF-213) - circa 1958 (NNAM)

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F4D-1 Skyray (VF-213 / CVG-21) embarked on USS Lexington (CVA 16) during a deployment to the Western Pacific from 14 July to 19 December 1958 (NNAM)


vf-213 black lions fighter squadron us navy f2h-3 banshee carrier air group cvg-21 uss bon homme richard cva-31 98
Five McDonnell F2H-3 Banshees from Fighter Squadron VF-213 "Black Lions" and an F2H-2P from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-61 Det.L "Eyes of the Fleet" in flight. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 16 August 1956 to 28 February 1957

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F2H-3 Banshee (BuNo 126447) (VF-213 / CVG-21) after a barrier landing aboard aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31)
during a deployment to the Western Pacific from 16 August 1956 to 28 February 1957.
 
 
History:

The Fighting BLACKLIONS of VFA-213 were commissioned on 22 June 1955 at NAS Moffett Field , California . The BLACKLIONS flew the F-2H3 Banshee during their first deployment aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CV-31). They transitioned to the F-4D Skyray for their next two deployments on USS LEXINGTON (CV-16). By their third WESTPAC deployment aboard the “LEX,” they were flying the F-3H2 Demon, which gave the squadron the capability to shoot the newly released AIM-7 Sparrow Air-to-Air missile.


In June 1961, the squadron moved to San Diego , California where they were based at NAS Miramar, “FIGHTERTOWN USA .” Three years later, in February 1964, the BLACKLIONS took a huge step forward in fighter capability by accepting the first of their new F-4 Phantoms. In November 1965, VFA-213 joined Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) and began the first of six combat deployments to the South China Sea aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) where they flew numerous missions over Southeast Asia in the Vietnam War. This deployment marked the first use of the Phantom as a conventional bomber, which was a role destined to make the Phantom a mainstay of the US Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

Throughout the war, the BLACKLIONS flew over 11,500 combat missions and delivered in excess of 6,000 tons of ordnance. On 20 December 1966, LT D. A. McRae and ENS D. N. Nichols downed an enemy AN-2 Colt for the squadron’s first kill. In March 1971, VFA-213 became the first fleet squadron to fly the Phantom more than 1,000 hours in a single month.

In December 1976, VFA-213 transitioned to the Navy’s premier supersonic fighter, the F-14A Tomcat. In April 1982, the BLACKLIONS added a new mission as they began training with the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) and in September 1982, VF-213 deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). During Indian Ocean Operations, the BLACKLIONS achieved a new milestone by flying the longest Tomcat flight from a carrier on a 1,775-mile TARPS mission.

The BLACKLIONS deployed again to the Western Pacific in 1988 where they took part in Operation PRAYING MANTIS, a naval conflict with Iran on 18 April 1988. The BLACKLIONS won the prestigious “BOOLA BOOLA” award in March 1989 for their aggressive professional completion of all missile test firings.

In 1991, the BLACKLIONS deployed on USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN’s maiden WESTPAC cruise in support of Operation DESERT STORM. Day and night Combat Air Patrol flights by the BLACKLIONS over Kuwait enforced the United Nations’ sanctions on Iraq , while TARPS missions recorded the devastation of Kuwait oil fields.

In 1992, VF-213 won the coveted “MUTHA” award for espirit-de-corps and took honors as the Pacific Fleet’s top fighter squadron when they won the 1992 Fighter Derby. The squadron deployed for the second time aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN in 1993 and participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq and Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia. Upon their return, VF-213 began a turnaround for their next deployment, during which they again won the “MUTHA” award.

In 1995, the BLACKLIONS again deployed aboard “ABE” in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The maintenance department was showcased, as all fourteen Tomcats assigned were airborne at one time over Iraq and Kuwait.

VF-213 next moved their operations to the USS KITTY HAWK, where the squadron deployed for six weeks on RIMPAC 1997 and six months on WESTPAC 1997. During RIMPAC, the BLACKLIONS fired twenty-six Phoenix and six Sidewinder missiles, including an unprecedented six plane, twelve missile simultaneous Phoenix shoot. Aboard USS KITTY HAWK on WESTPAC ‘97, VF-213 set a new record for 804 consecutive Tomcat sorties and earned the CVW-11 “TOP HOOK.”

When the BLACKLIONS departed KITTY HAWK at the end of deployment, they flew across the country to Virginia Beach , Virginia and became permanently stationed at NAS Oceana. In December 1997, VF-213 completed its transition to the F-14D and moved to the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Aboard their new carrier, the BLACKLIONS returned to the Pacific to participate in RIMPAC 1998. Immediately following RIMPAC, they executed another first in a missile exercise when they fired an AIM-54C Phoenix with an aircrew on night vision goggles.

The BLACKLIONS next deployment was the 1998-99 WESTPAC to the Arabian Gulf . Two months into the cruise, the BLACKLIONS participated in Operation DESERT FOX, which was the Navy’s largest combat evolution since DESERT STORM. This successful deployment included the longest combat line period in over 25 years.

VF-213 again embarked on the USS CARL VINSON in July 2001 for another WESTPAC. On September 11th, 2001, the BLACKLIONS were preparing to enter the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH when terrorists attacked New York and Washington D.C. The BLACKLIONS headed to the Northern Arabian Sea to lead the first strikes into Afghanistan against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces on October 7th, 2001 beginning Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF).

For the next ten weeks, VF-213 participated with honor in OEF by flying over 500 combat sorties, over 2,600 combat flight hours, and expending over 400,000 pounds of ordnance. VF-213 became the first Tomcat squadron to log more than 1,000 hours in two consecutive months. The BLACKLIONS also provided invaluable reconnaissance to the Task Force and Theater Commander with their TARPS pods. VF-213 received the 2001 COMNAVAIRPAC Battle “E”, CNO Safety “S”, CNO Clifton award and the COMFITWINGLANT Golden Wrench for their superb performance during 2001.

In 2002, the BLACKLIONS became a member of Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8). In January 2003 the squadron deployed aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). On March 21, 2003 VF-213 along with coalition forces commenced combat missions over Iraq . CVW-8 and CVN 71 became the “Night Carrier” and conducted most operations in the dark, which inspired the aircrew to coin the phrase, “living after midnight, bombing ‘til dawn”. Over the course of OIF, the BLACKLION’S completed 198 combat sorties with a 100% sortie completion rate, 907.6 combat flight hours and expended 96 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and 102 Laser Guided Bombs.

In 2004, VF-213 again earned high honors as the winners of the “BOOLA BOOLA” award for excellence in maintenance and employment of Air-to-Air ordnance. The squadron deployed for a second time in support of OIF in September 2005. Flying over 3,500 combat hours in 581 combat sorties, the BLACKLIONS dominated the air over Iraq dropping over 5,000 pounds of precision guided ordnance. VF-213 also pioneered a new technology for the Tomcat in Remote Operated Video Receiver (ROVR) capability. This allowed the troops on the ground to see the Tomcat’s infrared display from the cockpit real time. Soon after, this ability became a requirement for all strike aircraft operating in Iraq.

On March 10, 2006, the BLACKLIONS marked the end of an era. Their “fly-off” from cruise back to NAS Oceana featured the last operational flight of the F-14D Tomcat. In a 22-jet formation, VF-213 and VF-31 closed the book on the Tomcat being an asset in the US Navy arsenal.

The BLACKLIONS were re-designated VFA-213 on April 2, 2006 as they transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

from the VFA-213 website
 
 
 
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