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US Navy - Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (STRKFITRON 86)
VFA-86 'Sidewinders'
 
vfa-86 sidewinders crest insignia patch badge strike fighter squadron us navy 02x vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet us navy nas lemoore cvw uss cvn 55x
05/23
STATUS:  Reserve Squadron VF-921 activated on February 2, 1951
VF-921 redesignated VF-84 on February 4, 1953
VF-84 redesignated VA-86 on July 1, 1955
 VA-86 redesignated VFA-86 on July 15, 1987
 
Homebase: NAS Lemoore, California
Carrier Air Wing: CVW-7
Aircraft Carrier: USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)
ACTIVE UNIT
AIRCRAFT:  McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet (1987-2010)
Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (2010- )
DEPLOYMENTS:  March 1988 - May 1988 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
February 1989 - November 1989 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
December 1990 - April 1991 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
August 1991 - October 1991 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
December 1991 - June 1992 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
August 1993 - February 1994 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
August 1995 - February 1996 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
October 1997 - April 1998 with CVW-1 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
November 1998 - December 1998 with CVW-1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
September 1999 - March 2000 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
September 2001 - March 2002 with CVW-1 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
August 2003 - February 2004 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
June 2004 - July 2004 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
May 2006 - November 2006 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
July 2007 - December 2007 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
July 2009 - March 2010 with CVW-11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
June 2014 - August 2014 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
June 2016 - December 2016 with CVW-3 aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
April 2019 - January 2020 with CVW-7 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
August 2022 - April 2023 with CVW-7 aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77)
 
images

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) returning to NAS Lemoore, California - April 22, 2023

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2023

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 83
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2023

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 81
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2023

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 82
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2023

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 80
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - October 2022

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 79
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2022

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 77
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2022

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2022

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 78
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - February 2022

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 74
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) during flight deck certifications aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2021

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 navy 75
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) during flight deck certifications aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - September 2021

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) during exercise Checkered Flag 21-2 at Tyndall AFB, Florida - May 2021

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) with Mk.63 Quickstrike mine loaded - NAS Lemoore, California - July 2020

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 71
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - December 2019

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F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 68
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 69
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 67
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 66
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 65
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 64
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - May 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 63
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 62
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 61
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2019

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 60
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2018

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-7 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 navy 59
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2018

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss gerald r. ford cvn-78 57
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - December 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss gerald r. ford cvn-78 58
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) - December 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 55
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 56
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - April 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 54
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 53
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 52
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2017

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 47
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 46
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 48
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 51
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 50
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 49
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 45
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - November 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy cockpit view 44
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - October 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy cockpit 41
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - October 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 42
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - October 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 133p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - September 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 134p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - September 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 45p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 40
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 46p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 47p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 49p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - July 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 50p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 51p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 52p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 98p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - June 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 37
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 34
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 35
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 36
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 38
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 39
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 54p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 56p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 55p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - March 2016

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 57p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2015

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-3 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 navy 33
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-3) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - December 2015

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 58p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 32
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 31
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2014

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 59p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2014

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 60p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2013

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 61p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2013

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 navy 62p
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2013



vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 63p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 65p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 30
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 66p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 67p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 68p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 70p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 29
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 28
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 27
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 71p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 69p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 72p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - February 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 73p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 75p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 76p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 74p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - January 2010

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 77p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 26
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - December 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 25
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 24
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 78p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 23
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 22
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-11 uss nimitz cvn-68 navy 21
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-11) embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 navy 80p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - November 2007

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - October 2007

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2006

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - July 2006

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2006

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - October 2005

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2005

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - July 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - July 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2003

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2003

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2003

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M61-A1 gatling gun of a F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86) - March 2002

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2002

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2002

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 navy 96p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2002

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2001

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2000

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - March 1998

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - March 1998

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) was loaded with an AGM-84E SLAM missile - February 1998

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) was loaded with an AIM-9 Sidedwinder missile - February 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy 120p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy 14
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy 15
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy agm-88 harm 115
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - January 1998

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - January 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy 114
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - January 1998

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss george washington cvn-73 navy vc-10k tanker 113
F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) during refueling with a Royal Air Force VC-10K tanker aircraft - December 1997

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F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 1997

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 121
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - September 1996

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 125
F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - August 1995

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 126
F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - August 1995

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 124
F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - August 1995

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 12
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - October 1993

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 13
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - October 1993

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 11
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - January 1992

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 10
F/A-18C Hornets (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1991

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 128p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1991

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 129p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - April 1991

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 127p
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - March 1991

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss america cv-66 navy 09
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1991

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 07
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 04
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 102
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 02
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 06
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 03
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 05
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 08
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

vfa-86 sidewinders strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet us navy townsend bombing range georgia 107
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) over Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia - January 1989

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F/A-18 Hornet (VFA-86 / CVW-1) near NAS Fallon, Nevada - June 1988
  
 
History:
 
Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX traces its origins to Fighter Squadron 921, based at Naval Air Station St. Louis, Missouri, during the Korean War in February 1951. In February 1953, the squadron was re-designated VF-84 while deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, aboard USS ANTIETAM (CV 36). In July 1955, the squadron was re-designated VA-86 "Sidewinders".

From 1955 to 1987, the Sidewinders flew the F4-U "Corsair", F8F-2 "Bearcat", F9F-5 "Panther", F7U-3M "Cutlass", also known as the "Ensign Eater", A4D-1 "Skyhawk" and A-7A/C/E "Corsair". During these transitions, the Sidewinders made numerous deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, the North Atlantic, the Western Pacific and the Indian Oceans onboard various aircraft carriers, including USS ANTIETAM (CV 36), USS BENNINGTON (CV 20), USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CV 39), USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), USS RANDOLPH (CV 15), USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), USS INTREPID (CV 11), USS LEXINGTON (CV 16), USS AMERICA (CV 66), USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68).

In September 1969, the Sidewinders made an emergency sortie aboard AMERICA for a ten month combat deployment to Southeast Asia. The Squadron was back in familiar waters on "Yankee Station" in the Tonkin Gulf when the Paris Peace Accords were signed and our Prisoners of War finally returned home. This was the squadron’ s fourth combat deployment to Southeast Asia, more than any other East Coast attack squadron. During that deployment, the Sidewinders participated in the most intense air combat encountered throughout their extensive Southeast Asian involvement, earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, as part of the NIMITZ team, the Sidewinders made numerous deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic and even made an appearance in the 1980 movie The Final Countdown. In 1982, the Sidewinders were awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT "Battle E", denoting the best A-7E squadron on the East Coast and were also awarded the 1985 Admiral Wade McClusky Award, signifying the best attack squadron in the Navy for that year. In June of 1987, the Sidewinders departed NIMITZ to transition to the FA-18C Hornet and were re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86). In 1989, deploying with the Navy’s premier strike fighter, the Sidewinders spent eight months with the Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) "TARBOX" team aboard AMERICA.

In March 1999, following a successful deployment onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), the Sidewinders moved from NAS Cecil Field, Florida, to their new home in the Low Country at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

In 2001, the Sidewinders once again found themselves deployed, this time onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The TARBOX team was ready upon arrival in the Arabian Sea to execute sustained combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). After providing vital air support to coalition forces and helping to enable the eradication of the hostile regime in Afghanistan, the Sidewinders departed the area having flown over 3,500 hours and expending 213 tons of ordnance. This deployment was noteworthy not only for responding to the attacks of 9/11, but also for going 157 days without a port call, establishing the Naval Aviation record for continuous days at sea and becoming known to those who were on that deployment as the "Ironman" cruise.

In August of 2003, VFA-86 deployed on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and OEF. Returning in early 2004, the Sidewinders sailed again in June 2004 for SUMMER PULSE, a two-month deployment to the North Atlantic as part of Navy’s inaugural Fleet Response Plan. Upon returning, the squadron exchanged its Lot-10 for newer Lot-18 F/A-18C Hornets. In 2006, and then again in 2007, the squadron again deployed on the ENTERPRISE in support of OIF and OEF.

In 2008 the Sidewinders joined CVW-11 and the NIMITZ Strike Group. In July 2009, the squadron departed MCAS Beaufort deploying as part of Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN. The Strike Group entered the 5th Fleet in September and spent the following five months flying combat sorties in support of OEF. Returning in March 2010, the Sidewinders accumulated over 4,200 flight hours while embarked, successfully completing their fifth deployment in support of OEF.

In July 2011 the Sidewinders left the swamps of the Low Country of South Carolina and moved across the country to the desert and farms at NAS Lemoore, CA and transitioned to the FA-18E Super Hornet. The Sidewinders found immediate success on the West Coast, taking top honors in the CSFWP bombing derby and were awarded the McClaran Trophy as the top-performing squadron in the air-to-ground mission for that year. Additionally, the squadron earned a perfect 800/800 on its initial Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection, a rare feat for any squadron and unprecedented for a transition squadron. During December 2011, the squadron was officially certified "Safe for Flight," completing their Super Hornet transition.

In 2012, the Sidewinders joined Carrier Air Wing TWO and Carrier Strike Group NINE. During 2013 and 2014 the squadron executed work-ups, culminating with participation in the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, RIM OF THE PACIFIC, also known as RIMPAC.

In March 2015 the Sidewinders joined Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) and Carrier Strike Group TEN (CSG-10). The squadron began work-ups in June 2015 and deployed in June 2016 onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) for a seven month deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR) under the new Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). During deployment, the Sidewinders dropped over 330,000 pounds of ordnance and were recognized by being awarded the Battle "E" and Admiral Wade McClusky Awards for 2016.

August 2017 found the Sidewinders with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) and Carrier Strike Group TWELVE (CSG-12). Workups for their next deployment began shortly after to include Air-to-Surface SFARP, Air-to-Air SFARP, TSTA, and Air Wing Fallon. Following their successful completion of COMPTUEX in early 2019, the Sidewinders began their around-the-world cruise onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Leading from the front, the Sidewinders remain ready for future world-wide tasking.

source: VFA-86 website
 
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