vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron us navy

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US Navy - Fighter Squadron 31 (FITRON 31)
VF-31 'Tomcatters'
 
vf-31 tomcatters insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron us navy 02x
 vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron us navy grumman f-14 tomcat nas oceana fitron
 
STATUS:  established as VF-1B on July 1, 1935
VF-1B redesignated VF-6 on July 1, 1937
VF-6 redesignated VF-3 on July 15, 1943
VF-3 redesignated VF-3A on November 15, 1946
VF-3A redesignated VF 31 on August 7, 1948
VF-31 redesignated VFA-31 in October 2006
AIRCRAFT:  Grumman F9F Panther (1949-53)
McDonnell F2H Banshee (1953-56)
McDonnell F3H Demon (1957-62)
McDonnell F-3B Demon (1962-63)
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (1964-67)
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1968-80)
Grumman F-14A Tomcat (1981-92)
Grumman F-14D Tomcat (1993-2006)
DEPLOYMENTS:  April 1949 - May 1949 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
May 1950 - August 1950 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
September 1950 - February 1951 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
July 1951 - August 1951 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
September 1951 - December 1951 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
August 1952 - February 1953 with CVG-3 aboard USS Leyte (CV 32)
January 1954 - August 1954 with CVG-6 aboard USS Midway (CVA 41)
November 1955 - August 1956 with CVG-3 aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14)
February 1958 - October 1958 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
May 1959 - June 1959 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
August 1959 - February 1960 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
June 1960 - July 1960 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
August 1960 - February 1961 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
July 1960 - August 1961 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
November 1961 - May 1962 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
October 1962 - November 1962 with CVG-3 aboard USS Lexington (CVS 16)
March 1963 - October 1963 with CVG-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
November 1964 - July 1965 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
January 1966 - February 1966 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
March 1966 - October 1966 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
April 1967 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
May 1967 - December 1967 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
March 1969 - April 1969 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
May 1969 - June 1969 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
July 1969 - January 1970 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
June 1970 - November 1970 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
June 1971 - October 1971 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
April 1972 - February 1973 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
September 1974 - March 1975 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
January 1976 - July 1976 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60)
July 1977 - December 1977 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60)
October 1978 - April 1979 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60)
March 1980 - August 1980 with CVW-3 aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60)
October 1981 - December 1981 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
January 1982 - July 1982 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
April 1983 - July 1983 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
September 1983 - May 1984 with CVW-3 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
July 1985 - August 1985 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
March 1986 - April 1986 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
June 1986 - November 1986 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
August 1987 - October 1987 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
April 1988 - October 1988 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
November 1989 - April 1990 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
May 1991 - December 1991 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
February 1994 - August 1994 with CVW-14 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
May 1996 - November 1996 with CVW-14 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
November 1997 - December 1997 with CVW-14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
June 1998 - December 1998 with CVW-14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
May 2000 - June 2000 with CVW-14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
August 2000 - February 2001 with CVW-14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
July 2002 - May 2003 with CVW-14 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
May 2004 - November 2004 with CVW-14 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
September 2005 - March 2006 with CVW-8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
 
images

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat nas north island california final flight
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31) sits on the flight line after completing its final flight at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, on September 29, 2006.
After 36 years of service, the Tomcat is being replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

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Lt. Danny O'Hara, an F-14 pilot assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron 31, completes the Tomcat's final flight September 29, 2006 - Naval Air Station North Island, California

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat 02 nas oceana virginia final flight
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) - final flight at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 22, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) - final flight at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 22, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) - final flight at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 22, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) on display at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - September 2006

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vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat carrier air wing cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 13
An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), aircraft number 112, accelerates down the ships number three catapult aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during the final launch of an F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. The last launch marks the end of an era for Naval Aviation. The F-14 will officially retire in September 2006, after 32 years of service to the fleet -  July 28, 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - March 2006

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vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 nas oceana 34
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 flying the F-14 Tomcat. For the past 30 years, the F-14 Tomcat has assured US air superiority, playing a key role in ensuring victory and preserving peace around the world. The F-14 Tomcat will be removed from service and officially stricken from the inventory in September of 2006 - 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, Virginia.
 VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 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, Virginia.
 VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 38
F-14D Tomcats launch from the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to their homeport of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.
 VF-213 and VF-31 are completing their final deployment flying the F-14 Tomcat - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 42
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 32
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 47
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 44
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 52
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 58
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 54
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 57
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 55
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2006

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 61
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 60
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 59
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 69
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 70
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 65
F-14D Tomcats (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 66
F-14D Tomcat, 103 (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 62
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 63
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 64
F-14D Tomcats (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 72
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 71
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2005

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 76
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-8 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 74
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2005

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 78
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - September 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 77
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - September 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 79
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise RIMPAC 04 - July 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 211 rimpac 2004
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise RIMPAC 04 - July 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 80
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise RIMPAC 04 - July 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 208 northern edge 2004
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 209
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat carrier air wing cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 210
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 81
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - exercise Northern Edge, off Alaska - June 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 83 crash point loma 2004
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) crashed off Point Loma, California - May 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 84 crashed
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) crashed off Point Loma, California - May 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - May 2004

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F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - May 2004

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 87
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 88
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 93
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 89
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 90
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 82
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 92
F-14D Tomcats (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss john c. stennis cvn-74 91
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - November 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 96
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 94
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 95
F-14D Tomcat, 104 (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 129
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 130
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 97
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 98
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 99
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2003

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 100
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 103
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - November 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 207
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 101
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - November 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 115
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - November 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 102
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - November 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 206
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 104
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 105
F-14D Tomcats from the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) conduct midair refueling operations with an Air Force KC-10A Extender, while transiting cross-country to join aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing One Four (CVW-14). CVW-14 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and has recently departed on a regularly scheduled deployment to conduct missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - July 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 107
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2002

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 106
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2001

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 117
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2000

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 114
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 1998

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 205
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) - 1998

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 paris le bourget airshow 1997 17
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 18 paris salon le bourget
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 19
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 20 paris le bourget 1997
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 21
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 22
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the Paris Le Bourget Air Show - June 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 204
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) - 1997

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 112
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - November 1996

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 203
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - November 1996

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 202 nas oceana virginia
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - November 1996

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 197
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 201
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 196
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 195
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 198
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 199
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 200
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) at NAS Miramar, California - 1995

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 nas miramar california 194
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-14) - 1992

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat 216 grumman
F-14D Tomcat (VF-31) - 1992

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14d tomcat cvw-14 193
1992

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 212
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) - 1989

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 111
F-14A Tomcats, 2xx (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - September 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat carrier air wing cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 192
F-14A Tomcats (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1989

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 191
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 186
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 190
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 189
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 187
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 188
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 185 exercise team work 1988
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) during exercise Team Work 88 - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 215
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - 1988

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-14a tomcat cvw-6 uss forrestal cv-59 113
F-14A Tomcat (VF-31 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) - September 1987



vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 184
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CV 60) - 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 183
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 181
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 182
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 179
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 180
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 121
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 178
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 177
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1980 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 176
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1979 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 175
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1979 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 119
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1978 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 166
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1970’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 nas oceana virginia 123
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) flying over NAS Oceana, Virginia - 1970’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 165
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1970’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 174
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CV 60) - 1978 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 173
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CV 60) - 1977 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 172
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1976 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 171
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1976 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 170
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1975 (NNAM)



vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 169
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1975 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 168
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1973 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 167
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1973 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 122
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - late 1960s/early 1970s (NHHC)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 120
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - late 1960s/early 1970s (NHHC)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4j phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cv-60 164
F-4J Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) - 1968 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4b phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cva-60 118
F-4B Phantom II’s (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - October 1964 (National Naval Aviation Museum)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4b phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cva-60 163
F-4B Phantom II's (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1964 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4b phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cva-60 162
F-4B Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4b phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cva-60 161
F-4B Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-4b phantom ii cvw-3 uss saratoga cva-60 160
F-4B Phantom II (VF-31 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1960’s (NNAM)



vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-3b demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 159
F-3B Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1963 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-3b demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 158
F-3B Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1963 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f-3b demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 157 crash landing
F-3B Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) after a crash landing - 1963 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 156
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1962 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 155
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 154
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 153
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 149
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 151
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 152
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 126
McDonnell F3H-2 Demon (BuNo 143450) of Fighter Squadron VF-31 "Tomcatters" is landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VF-31 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 August 1959 to 26 February 1960 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 148
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) refuels from an AD6 Skyraider (VA-35) - 1959 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 150
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) - 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 128
McDonnell F3H-2N Demon (BuNo 137026) of Fighter Squadron VF-31 "Tomcatters" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VF-31 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 147
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 146
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 125
Two McDonnell F3H-2N Demon fighters (BuNo 136992, 137018) from Fighter Squadron VF-31 Tomcatters in flight. VF-31 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 145
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1958 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 143
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - late 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 142
F3H-2 Demons (VF-31 / CVG-3) with A4D-1 Skyhawks (VA-34) embarked on USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - late 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2n demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 144
F3H-2 Demon (VF-31 / CVG-3) - 1957 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f3h-2 demon cvg-3 uss saratoga cva-60 127
McDonnell F3H-2N Demon (BuNo 136993) of Fighter Squadron VF-31 "Tomcatters" in flight near Naval Station Mayport, Florida (USA). VF-31 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) and was transitioning to the F3H - 1957 (NNAM)



vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-6 uss midway cva-41 124
Two McDonnell F2H-3 Banshees (VF-31 / CVG-6) "Tomcatters" in flight over the Mediterranean Sea on 26 January 1954. Note the different colour schemes.
VF-31 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 6 (CVG-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 8 January to 4 August 1954 (NHHC)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-3 141
F2H Banshee (VF-31 / CVG-3) - mid 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-3 140
F2H Banshee (VF-31 / CVG-3) - mid 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-3 139
F2H Banshee (VF-31 / CVG-3) - mid 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-3 138
F2H Banshees (VF-31 / CVG-3) - mid 1950’s (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f2h-3 banshee cvg-3 uss midway cva-41 137
F2H Banshees (VF-31 / CVG-3) flying over USS Midway (CVA 41) - mid 1950’s (NNAM)



vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f9f panther cvg-3 uss leyte cv-32 136
F9F Panther (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Leyte (CV 32) circa 1950 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f9f panther cvg-3 uss leyte cv-32 135
F9F Panther (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Leyte (CV 32) circa 1950 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f9f panther cvg-3 uss leyte cv-32 134
F9F Panther (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Leyte (CV 32) with arresting hook lost - circa 1950 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f9f panther cvg-3 uss leyte cv-32 133
F9F Panthers (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Leyte (CV 32) circa 1950 (NNAM)

vf-31 tomcatters fighter squadron navy f9f panther cvg-3 uss leyte cv-32 132
F9F Panthers (VF-31 / CVG-3) embarked on USS Leyte (CV 32) circa 1950 (NNAM)
  
 
Two US Navy squadrons have held the designation VF-31. The first to be designated VF-31 was in existence from May 1943 to Oct 1945 and is not related to this unit. The second VF-31 has a direct lineage to VF-31 and the current VFA-31 " Tomcatters".

Early years:
VFA-31, originally established as VF-1B on July 1, 1935 flying the Boeing F4B, is the second oldest active US Navy squadron behind VFA-14 (1919).

On 1 July 1937, the squadron combined with VF-8B and was redesignated VF-6, flying the Grumman F3F. Between the years 1937 and 1943 VF-6 flew the F3F-1 and two variants of the Grumman F4F and ended with the F4F-4.

On 15 July 1943, VF-6 swapped designations with VF-3 and began flying the F6F Hellcat.

Through the years the Tomcatters and their predecessors have served on many of the Navy's aircraft carriers, including the first, the USS Langley; the second, USS Lexington; and the sixth, USS Enterprise. They were aboard Enterprise during the bombing of Pearl Harbor as well as the battles of Wake Island, Marcus Island, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Eastern Solomon Islands.
The squadron also saw aerial combat over the Philippines, Formosa, Okinawa, and China.

On 7 August 1948, VF-3A was redesignated VF-31 Tomcatters. For almost four years, the Tomcatters flew the F9F Panther, the squadron's first jet aircraft.

1950s:
In 1952, the squadron transitioned to the F2H Banshee, and then switched to the F3H Demon in 1957, flying it through 1962.

1960s:
VF-31 transitioned to the F-4 Phantom in 1964, flying the B model for two years before transitioning to the F-4J.

1970s:
In 1972, flying the F-4J Phantom, Tomcatter aircrew shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam and in doing so made VF-31 the only Navy fighter squadron to achieve aerial victories in three wars - World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

1980s:
In 1980, VF-31 and USS Saratoga concluded a 24-year period of continuous service together, the longest in naval history. VF-31 received the F-14 Tomcat in early 1981. The squadron's first cruise was on board USS John F. Kennedy. In 1983, VF-31 embarked on its fourth cruise with Kennedy. The cruise took the carrier and its air wing to the southern Mediterranean off the North African coast. VF-31 regularly flew over Lebanese and Syrian positions in support of multi-national peacekeeping operations, often being fired at by Syrian AAA. During a mission in early December 1983, heat-seeking SA-7 SAMs were launched at two squadron F-14s. Although both Tomcats were able to return safely to Kennedy, this incident led to US Navy retaliatory strikes. On December 4, both carriers in the Mediterranean Sea, Kennedy and USS Independence, launched strikes against Syrian SAM sites, losing one A-7 and one A-6.

VF-31 shifted carriers and air wings in April 1985 and was now on board USS Forrestal along with its sister squadron, the VF-11 Red Rippers. In June 1986, VF-31 and the rest of the Forrestal battle group set sail for the Mediterranean. While deployed the squadron participated in numerous fleet exercises. In August 1986, VF-31 participated in joint exercises with the Egyptian Air-Force and Navy.

In September 1987 VF-31 and the Forrestal battle group participated in North Atlantic exercises above the arctic circle. In April, 1988 VF-31 and the Forrestal battle group set sail for a six month Indian Ocean cruise which lasted for six months. While heading home from the "IO", the battle group once again participated in North Atlantic NATO exercises before coming home to Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

1990s:
VF-31 stayed with Forrestal until 1992, when the squadron switched carriers, planes, and home bases at concurrently. VF-31 (and VF-11) moved from NAS Oceana to NAS Miramar and to the USS Carl Vinson, and exchanged its F-14As for the new and improved F-14Ds.

In late 1996, VF-31 returned from its second Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), flying missions in the Persian Gulf and over southern Iraq in support of Operations Southern Watch and Desert Strike.

VF-31 moved back to Oceana in 1997. The squadron then sent a single F-14D and crew to the 1997 Paris Air Salon, primarily to promote new F-14 LANTIRN.

In 1998 they made a deployment to the Persian Gulf with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) supporting Operation Southern Watch.

2000s:
2000 began with a WESTPAC deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).

VF-31 deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln in July 2002, operating over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and again over the skies of Iraq supporting Operation Southern Watch. During their return home, the entire battle group was turned around on 1 January for the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Flying from the first night of combat, VF-31 was responsible for delivering ordnance to targets in Baghdad and the southern vicinities in direct support of coalition forces. During that deployment, VF-31 had the dubious distinction of having the longest cruise in the last 30 years of the Navy's history, returning to Oceana on 2 May 2003. The squadron flew 585 sorties, dropping 239 LGB/JDAM/MK 82.

In 2004, VF-31 and CVW-14 embarked on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) for a WESTPAC cruise. This was the last time the F-14 would fly over the skies of the Pacific. They returned to the US on October 31, 2004. The squadron became the last unit to fly F-14 Tomcats with the Pacific Fleet.

In December 2004, VF-31 transferred from Carrier Air Wing Fourteen to its current home with Carrier Air Wing Eight and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

In September 2005, the Tomcatters deployed aboard Theodore Roosevelt for the final Tomcat deployment, again to the Persian Gulf. February 7, 2006 marked the last recovery of an F-14 Tomcat from a combat mission. While operating from Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, VF-31 was credited with being the last F-14 unit to drop a bomb in combat. VF-31 returned to NAS Oceana on March 10, 2006 for the final F-14 fly-in.

VF-31 remained operational aboard Theodore Roosevelt until July 28, 2006 when the last Tomcat trap and catapult launch took place off the Virginia Capes, with journalists from around the world (Mexico, UK, Holland, Germany and US) witnessing. VF-31 was the last Tomcat squadron, with the last F-14 flight occurring on October 4, 2006 as BuNo.164603 flew from NAS Oceana to Republic Airport. After spending a year at the American Airpower Museum, the aircraft is now on public display outside of Northrop Grumman headquarters in Bethpage, NY.

VF-31 transitioned to F/A-18E Super Hornet and was redesignated VFA-31 in 2006.

source: wikipedia
 
 
 
patches
 
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vf-31 tomcatters insignia crest patch fighter squadron navy 03a
 
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