The original squadron was known as the Tough Kitties and had a cartoon cat insignia. When the second squadron was formed and deployed aboard USSHornet during its world cruise in 1954, it also used a cartoon cat insignia. There is no record of this insignia being officially approved for use by the squadron. The squadron’s first official insignia was approved by Chief of Naval Operations on 21 November 1955, and consisted of a yellow and black tiger paw with lightning bolts on a blue background. A new insignia was approved on 21 April 1959 consisting of a dark blue stylized aircraft with above an atom symbol on a blue background. A modification to this insignia was approved on 16 May 1967, replacing the atom symbol by a stylized bird design. The stylized bird was orange and the other colors from the previous design stayed the same.
Nicknamed the Mighty Shrikes, the squadron was named after a small carnivorous bird of prey, the loggerhead shrike. It engages in aerial combat to strike its prey in the air and on the ground, and then impales its victim on a sharp thorn.
Two distinct US Navy squadrons have held the designation VA-94. The first VA-94 served in World War II and was disestablished on 30 November 1949. The second VA-94 later became VFA-94, the main subject of this article. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage of newly formed squadrons with disestablished squadrons.[2] Often however, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons. That appears to have happened in this case, as (for a short time) the new squadron used a cat insignia similar to the earlier one.
1950s
Fighter Squadron 94 (VF-94) was established at NAS Alameda, California on 26 March 1952. The squadron began flying the Vought F4U Corsair, but quickly transitioned to jet aircraft. Over the next eight years, the squadron received and flew numerous fighter aircraft before becoming an attack squadron. In September 1953, the squadron received the F9F-5 Panther. In January 1955 the squadron moved to NAS Moffett Field and received the FJ-3M Fury in February 1955. In November 1955, it transitioned to the F9F Cougar. It again flew various models of the FJ-3 Fury from June 1957 until 1959.
The squadron was redesignated as Attack Squadron 94 (VA-94) on 1 August 1958[3] and moved back to NAS Alameda on 20 August 1958. In January 1959, it transitioned to the aircraft it would fly (in various models) for the next twelve years, the A-4 Skyhawk.
1960s
On 8 March 1962, VA-94 moved to NAS Lemoore, California. As the Vietnam War escalated, the squadron completed seven consecutive combat deployments to Southeast Asia, commencing with a cruise aboard USSRanger in 1962.
On 1 December 1963, the squadron flew its first sorties in support of Yankee Team Operations, armed escort for photo-reconnaissance missions over Laos. On 7 February 1965, following a Viet Congattack against American advisors in South Vietnam, President Lyndon Johnson ordered a reprisal strike against North Vietnam, named Flaming Dart I. The squadron’s target was concealed by heavy weather and the mission was aborted. On 11 February, the squadron participated in Flaming Dart II, retaliatory strikes against the Chanh Hoa military barracks near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. In March 1965, the squadron participated in Rolling Thunder strikes against targets in North Vietnam.
In October 1965, as part of Air Wing 9, the squadron moved to NAS Norfolk to join USSEnterprise on her first combat cruise. The squadron was assigned to Air Wing 5 in 1966 and completed four combat deployments aboard USSHancock and USSBon Homme Richard.
In February 1971, the squadron transitioned to the A-7 Corsair II and was assigned to Air Wing 15/USSCoral Sea.
From May–June 1972, VA-94 participated in Operation Linebacker, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam. On 9 May 1972, the squadron participated in Operation Pocket Money, the mining of Haiphong harbor. The first mine was dropped at 08:59 to coincide with President Richard Nixon's public announcement of the mining. All mines were set with 72-hour arming delays, thus permitting merchant ships time for departure or a change in destination consistent with the President's public warning. It was the beginning of a mining campaign that planted over 11,000 MK36 type destructor and 108 special Mk 52-2 mines over the next eight months.
In 1973, the squadron deployed on its first peacetime cruise in a decade, again with Carrier Air Wing 15 aboard USS Coral Sea.
On 29 April 1975, squadron aircraft provided air cover for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American citizens from Saigon that terminated United States military involvement in Vietnam. On 15 May 1975, squadron aircraft, along with other elements from CVW-15 launched air strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the capture of the SS Mayaguez by Khmer Rouge gunboats.
From February to May 1988, the squadron flew air support for Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. In April 1988, the squadron struck the naval forces of Iran as part of Operation Praying Mantis, the first major U.S. naval battle since World War II. Squadron aircraft delivered direct hits on the Iranian frigate Sahand.
In December 1989, the squadron participated in Operation Classic Resolve, providing support for the Philippine government during a coup attempt.
In June 1990, the squadron received its first F/A-18C Hornet and was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94) on 1 January 1991.[3] In May 1991, it deployed aboard USSAbraham Lincoln to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions following the war in Iraq. The squadron also participated in Operation Fiery Vigil, evacuating thousands of homeless people from the Philippines after the Mount Pinatubo eruption. It subsequently received the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation for its contribution to the disaster relief efforts.
On 15 June 1993, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln flying missions over southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. In October 1993, USS Abraham Lincoln left the Persian Gulf for Somalia to provide force protection for U.S. and other United Nations forces aiding in the humanitarian relief effort. VFA-94 earned the coveted Battle "E" Award designating it as the Navy's top FA-18 squadron in 1994.
The squadron participated in Operation Vigilant Sentinel during its 1995 deployment, again aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The squadron next deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk on 10 October 1996 to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.
Following the September 11 attacks, the squadron led the first missions of Operation Enduring Freedom on 7 October 2001. In the months that followed, VFA-94 and Air Wing Eleven participated in precision strikes against key Taliban locations in Afghanistan. The squadron amassed 664 combat sorties and expended 550,000 pounds of ordnance on targets in Afghanistan. The squadron returned home on 19 January 2002.
The squadron deployed again on 3 March 2003 for an eight-month combat deployment aboard USSNimitz with CVW-11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 7 May 2005, the squadron again deployed aboard USS Nimitz to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In October 2006, the squadron successfully completed the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program, in preparation for the squadron's transition to an expeditionary role. In January 2007, VFA-94 joined its sister squadron VFA-97 as one of only two F/A-18 squadrons to deploy overseas as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP). VFA-94 departed NAS Lemoore on its first expeditionary evolution to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron traversed nearly 7,000 nautical miles (13,000km) of open ocean, totaling almost 18 flight hours per jet. During the deployment, VFA-94 participated in Exercise Foal Eagle, the first ever U.S. Navy expeditionary deployment to Korea and Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand.
In July 2008, VFA-94 completed its second UDP deployment to Japan in support of the Global War on Terror and Pacific Operations. The squadron participated in Exercises Talon Vision at Clark Air Base, Philippines; Wolmi-Do Fury at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa and Exercise Lava Viper at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The squadron returned home in February 2009 after completing this successful 7-month deployment.
The squadron has been awarded two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, five Navy Unit Commendations, five Meritorious Unit Commendations, five Battle Efficiency Awards, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, three Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
2010s
A patch of Strike Fighter Squadron 94 on its first Unit Deployment Program evolution to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Note the additional Japanese art elements.
In January 2012, after returning from UDP duties in Japan, the squadron returned to NAS Lemoore, but apparently was not assigned to one of the West Coast air wings until around August 2012, as it temporarily took sister squadron VFA-25's place within CVW-17. VFA-25 was returned to its former slot within CVW-17, thus replacing VFA-94.
On 12 September 2014, two F/A-18Cs, one from VFA-94 and the other from VFA-113 collided and crashed approximately 250 nautical miles (460km; 290mi) west of Wake Island. One aviator was recovered in fair condition and received medical treatment aboard the Carl Vinson. Search-and-rescue (SAR) operations continued for the other aviator. The Carl Vinson was participating in Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at the time of the mid-air collision.[4] The search was called off on 14 September 2014, and the missing aviator was declared missing and presumed dead, with the crash incident under investigation.[5]
The Mighty Shrikes began its transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in September 2015, completing the transition in March 2016.
2020s
As of November 2023, the Shrikes transitioned to or are in the process of transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, thus returning the squadron to operating single seat aircraft.[6]
The Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) "Tophatters" are a United States Navy fighter attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet, and are the Navy's oldest active squadron, having formed in 1919. Their callsign is Camelot, and their tail code is NG.
Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) is an aviation unit of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The squadron flies the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet and is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11. Its callsign is Fist.
Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) is a strike fighter squadron of the United States Navy. It is equipped with the F-35C Lightning II and is stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The squadron is nicknamed "Sidewinders", leading to the call sign Winder. The unit is currently assigned to Joint Strike Fighter Wing.
The Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana. The squadron is equipped with the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet and is nicknamed the Golden Warriors, its call sign is War Party. Currently, the squadron is assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8.
Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103), nicknamed the Jolly Rogers, is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1952. VFA-103 flies the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia (US). The squadron's radio callsign is Victory and it is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven.
Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), also known as the "Argonauts," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron that is currently being transferred to MCAS Iwaukuni, Japan. VFA-147 was established on 1 February 1967 and flies the F-35C Lightning II, becoming the first non-training F-35 squadron in the U.S. Navy and will become the first forward-deployed F-35 squadron.
Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2) also known as the "Bounty Hunters" is a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Their tail code is NE and their callsign is "Bullet". They are attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), a composite unit made up of a wide array of aircraft performing a variety of combat and support missions that deploy aboard the Carl Vinson.
Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One (VFA-151) nicknamed the Vigilantes are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The squadron is a part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). As part of CVW-9, the squadron's tail code is NG and its radio callsign is "Ugly".
Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146) also known as the "Blue Diamonds" is a United States Navy operational fleet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore California. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet and are attached to Carrier Air Wing 17, deployed aboard USS Nimitz. Their tailcode is NA and their radio callsign is Diamond.
Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97) is a naval aviation squadron of the United States Navy. It is equipped with the F-35C Lightning II and is stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The squadron is nicknamed "Warhawks" and it is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two, tail code "NE". The squadron was originally established as Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97) on 1 June 1967 and redesignated VFA-97 on 24 January 1991.
Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) is known as the "Eagles", callsign "Talon", a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Their tail code while they were assigned to CVW-5 before July 2024 was NF. It was established as Torpedo Squadron VT-11 on 10 October 1942, redesignated VA-12A on 15 November 1946, VA-115 on 15 July 1948, then finally VFA-115.
Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131), also known as the "Wildcats", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. Their radio call sign is "Wildcat" and their aircraft tail code is AC.
VFA-22, Strike Fighter Squadron 22, also known as the "Fighting Redcocks", are a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Their tail code is NA and their radio callsign alternates between "Beef" and "Beef Eater".
Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), also known as the "Dambusters", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) and their tail code is NF. Their radio callsign is "Chippy".
Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113), also known as the "Stingers," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. They are an operational fleet F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) and based at NAS Lemoore, California. Their tailcode is NE and their radio callsign is Sting.
Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27), also known as the "Royal Maces", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 5 and are attached to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Their tail code is NF.
Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34), also known as the "Blue Blasters", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 11 and are attached to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Their tail code is NH and their radio call sign is "Joker".
Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), also known as the "Sunliners", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1. Their mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations from the sea. The squadron was originally designated VA-66 on 1 July 1955, was redesignated VF-81 the same day, redesignated VA-81 on 1 July 1959, and finally redesignated VFA-81 on 4 February 1988.
Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192), also known as the "World Famous Golden Dragons", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at NAS Lemoore.
Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) also known as the "Knighthawks" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The "Knighthawks" are an operational fleet squadron flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are homeported at NAS Lemoore and are currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing One, tail code AB. Their radio callsign is Gunstar.
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