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US Navy - Strike Fighter Squadron 213
(STRKFITRON 213) VFA-213 'Black Lions' |
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 F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) during carrier qualifications aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - March 2020  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - November 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) at NAS Key West, Florida - October 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - March 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - March 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - January 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - January 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - January 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - January 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - January 2018  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) fully loaded with 10 GBU-32 bombs (1000 pounds) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) fully loaded with 10 GBU-32 bombs (1000 pounds) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) fully loaded with 10 GBU-32 bombs (1000 pounds) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) fully loaded with 10 GBU-32 bombs (1000 pounds) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2017  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - November 2016  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2016  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  excerpt  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  excerpt  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - March 2014  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2013  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - August 2011  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - July 2011  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2010  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2008  F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-213 / CVW-8) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2008 |
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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. During 2007-2008, the squadron took the lead in developing new tactics and procedures for using the Navy’s newest airborne radar. The experience gained and developments made by the BLACKLIONS provided for the smooth transition of several F/A-18E/F squadrons to the Advanced Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar and earned the squadron the Golden Wrench award. In September 2008, VFA-213 deployed with CVW-8 aboard CVN 71 for the first time as an F/A-18F Super Hornet squadron. In October 2008, the BLACKLIONS and CVW-8 commenced combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF), which continued through March 2009. At the conclusion of the deployment, the BLACKLIONS had completed 680 combat sorties, accumulating more than 3,970 combat hours, while employing 26 precision guided bombs and over 2,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition. They achieved 100% ordnance on target; unmatched in the air wing. The BLACKLIONS received the CVW-8 Golden Wrench award for 2009. During the 2014 calendar year VFA-213 participated in the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77)’s maiden deployment. The cruise began with combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan before shifting into the Northern Arabian Gulf to counter the growing threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). VFA-213 fired the opening salvo of what would become Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, encompassing missions involving a multi-national coalition in both Iraq and Syria. The BLACKLIONS led CVW-8 with 74 combat expenditures of GBU-38 JDAM, GBU-54v2 Laser JDAM, AGM-65E Laser Maverick (LMAV), and 20mm, while leading the Air Wing with over 2,400 combat flight hours. VFA-213 was also chosen to lead the first Alpha Strike into Syria, leading a multi-national and joint force deep into the heart of ISIS territory in Syria. The BLACKLIONS’ demonstration of combat power led to them being selected for the prestigious Battle Efficiency Award (Battle “E”) in 2014, as well as being selected for the 2014 Wade McClusky Award, given to the most outstanding attack squadron in the Navy. On 21 January 2017, VFA-213 embarked aboard CVN 77 with the rest of CVW-8 to combat ISIS through Operation INHERENT RESOLVE once again. Over the course of this deployment, the BLACKLIONS were able to set new standards in the war on terror. In just 99 days of combat, they employed 488 air-to-surface munitions and 1300 rounds of 20mm, summing to over 550,000 pounds of ordnance on target with a 100% combat sortie completion rate. During this deployment, CVW-8 employed 1,739 air-to-surface munitions and 2 air-to-air missiles totaling to over 1,800,000 pounds of ordnance. During the 2017 deployment, the BLACKLIONS also took part in Exercise SAXON WARRIOR. This exercise allowed the United States and the United Kingdom to enhance their warfighting capabilities in the process of the generation of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group and the commissioning and IOC of the UK’s first aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth. source: VFA-213 website - - - - - another history: 1950s: Fighter Squadron Two Hundred Thirteen (VF-213) was established on June 22, 1955 at NAS Moffett Field, California. The first cruise was aboard USS Bon Homme Richard flying the F2H Banshee. When they returned, they transitioned to the F4D Skyray which they flew for two deployments on USS Lexington. They then transitioned to the F3H Demon, which gave the squadron the capability to fire the newly deployed AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile. VF-213 deployed next for a third cruise aboard USS Lexington. 1960s: In June 1961, VF-213 moved to NAS Miramar, which became their home for the next 36 years. Three years later, in February 1964, VF-213 accepting the first of their new F-4B Phantom IIs. Vietnam War: In November 1965, VFA-213 joined Attack Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) and made 9 deployments to Vietnam and the Western Pacific aboard USS Kitty Hawk as follows: From 17 October 1963 to 20 July 1964, equipped with F-4Bs. From 19 October 1965 to 13 June 1966. On 28 April F-4B #150645 was hit by antiaircraft fire over North Vietnam, both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. On 18 May F-4B #152257 was hit by antiaircraft fire near the Mu Gia Pass, both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. From 5 November 1966 to 19 June 1967. On 20 December a squadron aircraft and one from VF-114 shot down two Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) Antonov An-2 with AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. On 4 February F-4B #153007 was hit by antiaircraft fire over North Vietnam, both crewmen LT Donald Thompson and LT Allan Collamore were killed, their remains were identified in February 2001. From 18 November 1967 to 28 June 1968. From 30 December 1968 to 4 September 1969. On 3 July F-4B #153015 was lost, both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. From 6 November 1970 to 17 July 1971, reequipped with F-4Js. From 17 February to 20 November 1972. On 18 June F-4J #157273 was hit by antiaircraft fire, both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. From 23 November 1973 to 9 July 1974. From 21 May to 15 December 1975. 1970s: In September 1976, VF-213 began the transition to the F-14A Tomcat. The first cruise with the F-14 was with CVW-11 aboard USS Kitty Hawk in October 1977. After the Kitty Hawk cruise, the carrier air wing switched to USS America and took part in two Mediterranean cruises in 1979 and 1981. 1980s: In December 1981, VF-213 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. During Indian Ocean operations, the squadron achieved a new milestone by flying the longest Tomcat flight from a carrier on a 1,775-mile (2,857 km) TARPS mission. On 24 January 1986 they deployed with USS Enterprise to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, where VF-213 often intercepted Soviet and Indian aircraft. During this deployment, tensions between the U.S. and Libya escalated, necessitating the decision to move USS Enterprise through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in the Gulf of Sidra CVW-11 aircraft flew patrols for two months, although encounters with Libyan aircraft were rare. The ship transited the Strait of Gibraltar and around the Cape of Good Hope before continuing onto Perth, Australia and across the Pacific to their home port. 1988 saw VF-213 flying cover over reflagged oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and participating in Operation Praying Mantis. In 1990 VF-213 and the rest of the air wing switched aircraft carriers to USS Abraham Lincoln. The first cruise on USS Abraham Lincoln was a six-week transit from NAS Norfolk to NAS Alameda, via Cape Horn. The squadron won the "BOOLA BOOLA" award in March 1989 for their professional completion of all missile test firings. In late 1989, VF-213 and CVW-11 went around the world on USS Enterprise for a WESTPAC deployment ending at NAS Norfolk for refurbishment. 1990s: The squadron deployed to WestPac on USS Abraham Lincoln in May 1991 in support of UN sanctions against Iraq. VF-213 flew combat air patrol and TARPS missions, recording the devastation of Kuwait oil fields. In 1993, VF-213 became the sole F-14 squadron on Abraham Lincoln. That same year, VF-213 flew in support of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. Kara Hultgreen, the first qualified female F-14 pilot in the US Navy, was assigned to VF-213, and on 25 October 1994, her F-14 crashed while on approach to USS Abraham Lincoln. Both she and her RIO ejected, but only the RIO survived. The 1995 WestPac cruise again saw the squadron flying over the skies of southern Iraq. In 1996, VF-213 moved to USS Kitty Hawk for the 1996–1997 WESTPAC deployment. During this deployment VF-213 fired twenty six AIM-54 Phoenix and six AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, including one event where six planes launched twelve Phoenix missiles. These mass firings were conducted to reduce the numbers of older Phoenix missiles in inventory, as they were being removed from service. After the 1997 cruise, VF-213 moved from NAS Miramar to NAS Oceana and transitioned to the F-14D Super Tomcat, becoming the fourth F-14 squadron to receive the D model. In 1998 they moved to USS Carl Vinson, and began work-ups for their next cruise. During the 1998-1999 deployment, VF-213 was the first squadron to fire an AIM-54C Phoenix with the aircrew on night vision goggles. Two months into the deployment, VF-213 participated in Operation Desert Fox, which was the Navy's largest combat evolution since the Gulf War. This successful deployment included the longest combat line period in over 25 years. F-14Ds from VF-213, as well as the rest of the embarked carrier air wing aboard USS Carl Vinson, joined other US air assets in the final strikes of that operation. Highlights of the cruise included the execution of 19 strikes, dropping 20 laser-guided bombs, supporting 11 combined strikes, flying 70 missions, and logging 230 combat sorties, including 45 reconnaissance missions imaging more than 580 targets. On 5 January 1999, two F-14Ds on patrol over Iraq were directed to intercept two Iraqi MiG-25s south of the "no fly zone". The Tomcats fired two AIM-54 missiles, the first ever Phoenix combat-launch by the US Navy. The Iraqi jets turned north and the missiles fell short of their targets. VF-213/CVW-11 returned home in the spring of 1999. 2000s: After the September 11 attacks, USS Carl Vinson with CVW-11 was the first carrier battle group on station in the North Arabian Sea, preparing for attacks against Afghanistan. On 7 October 2001 during a CVW-11 strike, VF-213 dropped the first bombs of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on an SA-3 site near Kabul International Airport. VF-213 also conducted reconnaissance, utilizing their TARPS pods, and also provided laser weapon guidance for F/A-18 Hornets and GPS weapons coordinates for Hornets and USAF strike aircraft. During the ten weeks VF-213 were supporting OEF they flew over 500 combat sorties, over 2600 combat flight hours and expended 435,000 pounds of ordnance and provided reconnaissance with their TARPS pods. VF-213 was also the first F-14 unit to use its internal 20 mm cannon in combat during the Battle of Mazar e Sharif VF-213 received the 2001 Commander Naval Air Pacific Fleet Battle "E", Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Safety "S", Clifton Award and the Commander Fighter Wing Atlantic Golden Wrench for their performance in 2001. After the 2001 cruise ended in 2002, VF-213 changed air wings from CVW-11 to CVW-8. On March 22, 2003, VF-213 deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the war VF-213 would fly 198 strike, combat air patrol and ground forces support missions, delivering 102 laser-guided bombs and 94 JDAM bombs. VF-213 was paired up with VF-31 for the 2005-2006 final F-14 Tomcat cruise on board USS Theodore Roosevelt. During the cruise, VF-213 and VF-31 received ROVER upgrades to their aircraft, enabling them to transmit real-time images from their LANTIRN sensor to ground operators. VF-31 and 213 collectively completed 1,163 combat sorties, and dropped 9,500 pounds of ordnance during reconnaissance, surveillance, and close air support missions in support of OIF. On 10 March 2006, VF-213 returned to NAS Oceana after the final F-14 cruise. All 22 Tomcats flew together in a wedge formation over NAS Oceana. VF-213 began their transition to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in April 2006 and was re-designated VFA-213 on 2 April 2006. VFA-213 was the first Super Hornet squadron to fly AESA-equipped Super Hornets. VFA-213 became the first squadron to receive Dual-Cockpit Cueing System for both pilot and weapon systems officer, retrofitted with an aft cockpit Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), on May 18, 2007. On 13 May 2008 an F/A-18F from the squadron operating from USS Theodore Roosevelt accidentally dropped a 500-pound laser-guided bomb three miles (4.8 km) outside of the Pinecastle bombing range near the Ocala National Forest. The bomb explosion started a wildfire which burned 257 acres (1.04 km2) of vegetation. No one was injured in the blaze, but the emergency response cost $342,946. A Navy investigation determined that technical misunderstandings and crew fatigue contributed to the mishap. The two crew members of the jet were later returned to flying status after a board review. VFA-213, along with CVW-8 and USS Theodore Roosevelt, participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4 Operation Brimstone off the coast of North Carolina between 21 and 31 July 2008. The British carrier HMS Ark Royal, the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima with associated units, the Brazilian Navy frigate Greenhalgh, and the French submarine Améthyste also participated in the event. On 8 September 2008, VFA-213 and the rest of CVW-8 deployed on board USS Theodore Roosevelt on a regularly scheduled deployment. On 4 October the Roosevelt Carrier Group arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, the first visit by a US aircraft carrier since 1967 and three days later the carrier left Cape Town. CVW-8 and CVN-71 supported Operation Enduring Freedom and flew more than 3,100 sorties and dropped more than 59,500 pounds of ordnance while providing close air support for ISAF-forces in Afghanistan. On 11 May 2011, the squadrons of CVW-8 embarked on USS George H.W. Bush's maiden deployment, scheduled to conduct operations in the US 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. On 27 January 2018, VFA-213 departed on a combat deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), embarked onboard USS George H. W. Bush. From 10 February 2017 to 9 March 2017, the command conducted OIR combat operations from the Mediterranean Sea. VFA-213 resumed combat operations on 23 March 2017 from the Persian Gulf until 22 May 2017. In January 2018, VFA-213 participated in the initial flight deck certification for the US Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford. On 14 March 2018, a Super Hornet from VFA-213 crashed near Key West killing the pilot and WSO. During April and May of 2018, the squadrons of CVW-8 conducted joint operations with French Naval Forces out of NAS Oceana. Following those operations, the air wing and French aircraft embarked on USS George H. W. Bush, conducting strike missions. In September 2018, VFA-213 attended the Naval Weapons Systems Evaluation Program (NWSEP) out of Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, with a five aircraft detachment. During the detachment, VFA-213 employed 19 air-to-air missiles, including nine AIM-7 Sparrows, seven AIM-9M Sidewinders, one AIM-9X Sidewinder, and two AIM-9X Block II Sidewinders. Subsequently, the command earned the 2018 Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Grand Slam award for demonstrating the highest capability to maintain and utilize air-to-air missile weapons systems. source: wikipedia |
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