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US Navy - Strike Fighter Squadron 25
(STRKFITRON 25) VFA-25 'Fist of the Fleet' |
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 F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) eduring exercise Red Flag Alaska 22-2 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - June 2022  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) eduring exercise Red Flag Alaska 22-2 at Eielson AFB, Alaska - June 2022  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25) at Oregon International Air Show, Hillsboro, Oregon - May 2022  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2020  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - May 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2019  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2018  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2018  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - July 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - February 2016  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - December 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - September 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - June 2015  F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-25) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2014  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - October 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - June 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - March 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2011  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2010  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2012  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - August 2009  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2009  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2009  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2009  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2009  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2007  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2007  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2007  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2007  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - January 2007  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2006  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2006  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25
/ CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - February 2006 F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - February 2006  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2005  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - October 2004  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - September 2004  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - September 2004  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - March 2004  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - May 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003  F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2003  F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2003  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2002  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2002  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2002  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2000  M61 Vulcan 20mm gatling gun inside a F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2000  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during exercise RIMPAC - June 2000  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) at NAS Lemoore, California - April 1997  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - January 1991  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25) - 1990's  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - April 1990  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25) escorts a Soviet IL-20 Coot-A electronic reconnaissance aircraft  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25) escorts a Soviet IL-20 Coot-A aircraft  F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - late 1980's  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - late 1980's  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) during exercise PACEX - October 1989  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) during exercise PACEX - September 1989  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25) during exercise GALLANT EAGLE 88 - August 1988  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25) during exercise GALLANT EAGLE 88 - August 1988  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25) during exercise GALLANT EAGLE 88 - August 1988  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25) during exercise GALLANT EAGLE 88 - August 1988  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) over Diego Garcia - August 1987  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) over Diego Garcia - August 1987  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) over Diego Garcia - August 1987  F/A-18A Hornets (VFA-25 / CVW-14) over Diego Garcia - June 1987  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) - June 1987  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) armed with an AGM-88 HARM missile - circa 1985  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) armed with an AGM-88 HARM missile - 1980's  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - October 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 1984  F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-25) - 1984 |
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History: Strike Fighter Squadron 25, the "Fist of the Fleet", is a veteran command of Naval Aviation. Originally commissioned Torpedo Squadron 17 in 1943, the squadron operated during World War II with TBM and SB2C attack bombers flying from the deck of USS HORNET. Following the war the squadron was re-designated as VA-65. In December 1947, the squadron transitioned to the aircraft it would fly for the next 21 years, the propeller driven AD-1 “Sky Raider,” known to its pilots as the “Spad.” VA-65 became a plank owner aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) when it sailed with the carrier on its maiden voyage in early 1948. In succeeding years Attack Squadron 65 also deployed aboard USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) and won its first Battle Efficiency "E" denoting it as the best single engine attack squadron on the east coast in 1948. At the outbreak of the Korean hostilities, the squadron was transferred to NAS Moffett Field. In the fall of 1950, they deployed to Korean waters with Carrier Air Group 2 aboard USS BOXER. An impressive combat record was compiled aboard this “Essex” class carrier, with 1,645 combat missions being logged. In July of 1959 the squadron was re-designated as VA-25. In 1962 the squadron moved to newly completed NAS Lemoore, California. From 1965 through 1968, VA-25 made three deployments to Southeast Asia from the deck of USS CORAL SEA. During this period FIST pilots flew over 3,000 combat missions, dropping more than 10 millions pounds of ordnance on enemy targets. On 20 June 1965, a division of FIST “Spads” were attacked by a section of North Vietnamese MIG-17’s, with VA-25 successfully scoring a guns kill against one of the jet-powered fighters. When VA-25 turned in its A-1 “Spads” in 1968, it was the last propeller driven tactical squadron in the Navy. The next aircraft for VA-25 was the A-7B Corsair II. After only four months of training in the new attack jet, VA-25 departed for its fourth combat cruise to Southeast Asia. In the following two years, the squadron made two more combat cruises aboard USS RANGER, expending over 15 million pounds of ordnance on targets in Laos and Vietnam. VA-25’s WESTPAC 74 cruise marked its first non-combat deployment in over 9 years. In May 1983, pilots from VA-25 began training in the new F/A-18A Hornet. The squadron was re-designated as Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) on July 1, 1983. On 19 February 1985, VFA-25 departed on the historic "first deployment" of the FA-18 Hornet aboard America 's Flagship, the USS CONSTELLATION. During this WESTPAC deployment, VFA-25 won both the CVW-14 Bombing Derby and the CVW-14 Tailhook Award before returning to NAS Lemoore in August 1985. The “Fist of the Fleet” embarked on the USS CARL VINSON in 1996. The squadron operated in the Arabian Gulf for three months and participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, Operation DESERT STRIKE, and exercise RUGGED NAUTILUS. The 1998 Western Pacific deployment found the squadron onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN for the first time. In 2000, the squadron returned to the Arabian Gulf on board the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN enforcing the no-fly zones in Iraq and maintaining a high-tempo pace in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In support of the UN Security Resolutions, the “Fist of the Fleet” pilots dropped their bombs on selected tactical targets in southern Iraq and continued to patrol the skies in the Arabian Gulf. Any strain from the long deployment melted away on March 19, 2003, when VFA-25 began combat sorties in earnest and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH abruptly turned into Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The Fist of the Fleet lead the way to Baghdad from the very beginning including the daring first-night air strikes on the Iraqi capitol in what has become known as the “Shock and Awe” campaign. From pre-planned strikes to “on-call” Urban Close Air Support, VFA-25 was involved in critical, time-sensitive attacks that proved to be crucial in the eventual downfall of the rogue Iraqi regime. VFA-25 delivered more than 300,000 lbs of ordnance during the operation. Sortie completion rates were better than 98% for the Fist’s war effort, despite constant high-tempo flight deck operations, ordnance loading, and critical, time-crunched repairs to the aircraft. With its duties in the Persian Gulf complete, VFA-25 returned to the United States in May 2003. The entire squadron was proud of its Four-Star effort. After completing work up training, VFA-25 deployed aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in May 2004 to the Western Pacific. WESTPAC 2004 included participation in several exercises, including NORTHERN EDGE, RIMPAC 2004 and JASEX with the USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The squadron returned to NAS Lemoore on November 1, 2004. In March 2005, VFA-25 began the work-up cycle for its next deployment with a detachment to NAS Fallon for SFARP. During the summer and fall of 2005, the Fists continued their work-ups with an Air Wing Detachment as well as several detachments to the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), the newly assigned carrier for CVW-14. In 2006, the squadron participated in a 6 month WESTPAC deployment; their first aboard the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76). VFA-25 performed nearly four months of combat operations in the Persian Gulf from February to May 2006 where they successfully completed over 600 combat sorties and 2,500 hours in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Leaving the Gulf signified the end of tactical combat operations but not the end of the deployment. The REAGAN Strike Group steamed east towards Guam to participate in Operation VALIANT SHIELD, another opportunity for the squadron to operate and excel on a tactical level. The multi-carrier operation began in mid-June and lasted several days as the REAGAN Strike Group performed Joint training exercises with the USS KITTY HAWK and the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Strike Groups. The deployment ended with the REAGAN making a brief stop in Hawaii to pick up family and friends for the first “Tiger Cruise” on USS RONALD REAGAN’s maiden deployment. More than 1200 Tigers participated. The squadron spent the remainder of 2006 in a sustainment status, as they prepared for their follow-on 3-month surge deployment starting in January 2007. VFA-25 took part in two joint operations that were highlights of the deployment. In early March, CVW-14 participated in joint training with Air Force F-15’s and F-22’s operating from Kadena AB , Japan . Later that month, CSG-7 participated in FOAL EAGLE; a joint, multi-national exercise hosted by South Korea , and included elements from every branch of the armed forces. Starting with SFARP in September 2007, VFA-25 began workups for yet another deployment cycle. Beginning in 2008, VFA-25 began a series of what would become two deployments in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During the first deployment, the squadron spent two months on station supporting combat operations in Afghanistan . After their return home in November 2008, VFA-25 once again remained in a sustainment status and spent the first 5 months of 2009 preparing for their upcoming surge deployment. The Fist of the Fleet left for their surge deployment on 28 May, 2009. Shortly after their departure, the scheduled 4 month surge was extended, making for a total of two and a half months in support for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The extension resulted in the renaming of the surge as WESTPAC 2009. During a period of less than four years, VFA-25 spent nearly 24 months at sea. They took part in three full deployments and a surge deployment. The squadron logged over 5,500 combat hours on nearly 1,000 sorties in both Iraq and Afghanistan . They visited over 20 ports including Brisbane Australia , Singapore , Dubai U.A.E., Hong Kong, Kelang Malaysia , Phuket Thailand , Sasebo Japan , Pusan South Korea , Guam, and Hawaii . In December 2010, they left the safety of homeport once again for WESTPAC 2011. During WESTPAC 2011, VFA-25 spent over three months supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Port calls included Busan, South Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Dubai U.A.E. During combat operations, the squadron maintained a 100% combat sortie completion rate, flying 1470 sorties and over 3450 hours in some of the oldest F-18s in the fleet. VFA-25 won the Top Hook trophy for all three line periods of WESTPAC 2011. After returning home in June 2011, the squadron immediately entered the workup cycle to get ready to deploy again in November, less than 6 months after they got home. During WESTPAC 2012, VFA-25 again supported coalition troops on the ground during months of combat operations in Afghanistan. They also had the opportunity to spend a few weeks and conduct flight operations in the North Arabian Sea off the coast of Iran. Port calls included Hong Kong, Dubai, Chennai India, and Perth, Australia. VFA-25 was awarded the LTJG Bruce Carrier award for excellence in Aviation Maintenance. Fist Maintenance also received the CVW 17 Golden Wrench award, as well as the Top Hook Award for two line periods. In the fall of 2012 VFA-25 completed it's transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, as part of its transition, TWO FIVE joined Carrier Air Wing NINE onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74). In 2013, the FIST OF THE FLEET conducted 12 support and training detachments and also celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2013. After completing ten training and support detachments the FIST OF THE FLEET joined Carrier Air Wing SEVEN onboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) in January 2015. The Fist of the Fleet has enjoyed success across all of our detachments over the past several months. The squadron’s success during air-to-surface SFARP in April 2015 was due to an all hands effort from the maintenance department, administration department and operations department. Squadron pilots were equipped with the appropriate resources and proved capable of efficiently putting bombs on target during modern battlefield simulations in the Fallon Range Complex. Following the return from NAS Fallon, the squadron had a few short weeks to conduct unit level training and begin practicing for carrier operations before taking 8 jets across the country to complete TSTA aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. All members of the squadron were quickly indoctrinated into shipboard operations and adapted to the unique challenges associated with life on the ship. Under the guidance of CVW-7, flight operations quickly ramped up and squadron pilots found themselves carrying many different load outs while conducting a wide variety of missions. Some of those missions included standing up and launching alert aircraft, opposed air-to-air missions and close air support (CAS). The squadron positively contributed to the air wing’s success and maintained a 99.6% sortie completion rate. Following the completion of COMPTUEX in October 2015 and with the work-ups cycle complete, VFA-25 was able to take advantage of time with family on a two week mandatory leave period prior to deploying. The Fist of the Fleet boasts the finest maintenance department in Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, US Pacific Fleet. Throughout 2015, our dedicated Sailors proved why they lead the F/A-18 community by maintaining an average readiness rate 23% above entitlement. Furthermore, they did this while simultaneously sustaining a mission completion rate of 99.4% throughout the entire work-up cycle, well above historical norms. This culminated in being awarded the coveted 2015 LTJG Bruce Carrier Memorial Award for Maintenance Excellence, more commonly known as the "Golden Wrench." On Nov 16th, 2015 Strike Fighter Squadron TWO FIVE departed the docks of Norfolk, VA for an 8 month combat deployment on the USS Truman (CVN75). With a deadly payload of over six thousand pounds, VFA-25 has supported over 250 kinetic events totaling 400,000Lb’s of precision guided ordinance in direct support of coalition forces in Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. In addition to supporting combat sorties, the Fist of the Fleet participated in several multi-national exercises allowing us to broaden our skillset and strengthen international relations. July 15th 2016 marked the end of an extended 8 month deployment supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in the Fifth and Sixth fleet. A new software upgrade (H10) was installed early September 2016 further enhancing out already combat proven F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft. source: VFA-25 website |
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