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US Navy - Fighter Squadron 151 (FITRON 151)
VF-151 'Vigilantes'
 
vf-151 vigilantes insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron us navy 04x
vf-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 09x
 03/19
STATUS:   established as VF-23 on August 6, 1948
VF-23 redesignated VF-151 on February 23, 1959
VF-151 redesignated VFA-151 on June 1, 1986
 AIRCRAFT:   Vought F4U-5 Corsair (1948)
Grumman F6F-5P Hellcat (1948-49)
Vought F4U-4 Corsair (1949-51)
Grumman F9F-2 Panther (1951-53)
McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee (1953-56)
Douglas F4D-1 Skyray (1956-59)

McDonnell F3H-2 Demon (1959-64)
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (1964-73)
McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II (1973-77)
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1977-80)
McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II (1980-86)
 DEPLOYMENTS:   August 1959 - January 1960 with CVG-15 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)
September 1960 - May 1961 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
December 1961 - July 1962 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
February 1963 - November 1963 with CVG-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
December 1964 - November 1965 with CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
May 1966 - December 1966 with CVW-15 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)
June 1967 - April 1968 with CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
June 1968 - April 1969 with CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
September 1969 - July 1970 with CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43)
April 1971 - November 1971 with CVW-5 aboard USS Midway (CVA 41)
April 1972 - March 1973 with CVW-5 aboard USS Midway (CVA 41)

October 1973 - March 1986
permanently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard USS Midway (CV 41)
and forward deployed to
NAF Atsugi, Japan
 
images

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 17
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - March 1985

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 12
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - March 1985

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 16
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - March 1985

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 15
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - undated

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 03
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - August 1984

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 04
F-4S Phantom II's - yellow striped (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - May 1984

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4s phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 13
F-4S Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - November 1981

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 05
crewmen work to recover a damaged McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II of Fighter Squadron VF-151 "Vigilantes" hanging off the side of the ship.
The damage resulted from a collision between USS Midway (CV 41) and the Panamanian freighter Cactus - July 1980

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 09
F-4J Phantom II (BuNo 158348 - VFA-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - circa 1979

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4j phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 10
F-4J Phantom II (BuNo 158348 - VFA-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) - circa 1979

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4n phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 11 soviet tu-95 bear
F-4N Phantom II (BuNo 150652 - VFA-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) intercepting a Soviet Tu-95 Bear D aircraft - circa 1975

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4n phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 07 tupolev tu-95 bear
F-4N Phantom II (BuNo 150479 - VFA-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) intercepting a Soviet Tu-95 Bear D aircraft - March 1974

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4b phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-5 uss midway cv-41 08 vietnam
F-4B Phantom II's (BuNo 151513, 152258 - VFA-151 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Midway (CV 41) dropping bombs over Vietnam - 1971

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4b phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-15 uss coral sea cva-43 06
a P-3A Orion (BuNo 152167) of Patrol Squadron 4 (VP-4) "Skinny Dragons" is escorted by a McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II (BuNo 151436)
from Fighter Squadron 151 (VF-151) "Vigilantes" during Operation Goldilocks, September 1969. VF-151 is assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15)
aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Vietnam from 23 September 1969 to 1 July 1970

vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f-4b phantom ii carrier air wing cvw-15 uss constellation cva-64 02 gulf of tonkin
F-4B Phantom II (VF-151 / CVW-15) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) were refueled by an A-6A Intruder of VA-65 over the Gulf of Tonkin - October 1966 (NNAM)


vfa-151 vigilantes fighter squadron us navy f3h-n2 demon carrier air group cvg-15 uss coral sea cva-43 14
F3H-2N Demon (VF-151 / CVG-15) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - December 1961 (NNAM)
 
 
Four distinct U.S. Navy squadrons have been designated VF-151. The first was established, and then disestablished, in 1945. The second was established at VF-153 in 1945 and eventually became VFA-192. The third was originally established as VF-65 in 1951. This squadron was eventually disestablished as VA-23 in 1970. The fourth squadron to be designated VF-151 was established as VF-23 in 1948, eventually became VFA-151, and is the main subject of this article.

1940s
The Squadron was originally established as Fighter Squadron 23 (VF-23) at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia On August 6, 1948. The squadron was attached to Air Group Two aboard the USS Midway (CV-41) and flew the F4U-5 Corsair and F6F-5P Hellcat. By April 1949, the squadron flew the F4U-4 Corsair exclusively, embarking with that aircraft for a Mediterranean Sea Deployment from May-Dec 1949.

1950s
In August 1950, the squadron moved to NAS Alameda, California, and then deployed for the first of three cruises in support of the Korean War. On 15 Sep 1950, the squadron flew combat missions from USS Boxer (CV-21) in support of the amphibious landings at Inchon, Korea. Upon their return to the States, the squadron relocated to NAS Moffett Field in Nov 1950. The squadron transitioned to the jet age in Jan 1951, flying the straight-wing F9F-2 Panther on their second Korea deployment from USS Princeton (CV-37). During the third Korean War deployment, while flying from USS Essex (CV-9) In Aug 1952, squadron aircraft participated in joint operations with the U.S. Air Force, striking targets in Pyongyang and the surrounding area.

The squadron transitioned to the F2H-3 Banshee in March 1953 and adopted a new role as an all-weather fighter squadron. In Mar 1954, the squadron was deployed to the western Pacific aboard Essex when the carrier was ordered to operate off the coast of Vietnam during the Viet Minh’s assault against the French at Dien Bien Phu.

In Dec 1956, VF-23 transitioned to the F4D-1 Skyray, and in Aug and Sep 1958, the squadron flew sorties from USS Yorktown (CV-10) in the Taiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bombarded Quemoy Island.

VF-23 deployed to the WestPac aboard USS Hancock (CV-19) in 1958 and again 1959. The squadron, now known as the Vigilantes, transitioned to the F3H-2 Demon in Jan 1959. A month later, the squadron was redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE (VF-151) on 23 February 1959 and assigned to Carrier Air Group 15.

1960s
In Jul 1961, the squadron moved homeports to NAS Miramar and made the first of three WestPac deployments aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43). In Jan 1964, the squadron transitioned to the two-seat F-4B Phantom and deployed for its first Vietnam War cruise on 7 Dec 1964. During the eleven month combat deployment, the squadron flew nearly 1500 combat sorties, including support of the 1965 Operation Rolling Thunder bombing campaign against military targets in North Vietnam. The Vigilantes returned to Southeast Asia on their second Vietnam deployment in December 1966 aboard USS Constellation (CV-64).

The squadron made its third deployment of the war aboard USS Coral Sea from July 1967 to April 1968. On October 24, 1967 the squadron's commanding officer, CDR C.R. Gillespie, and his RIO, LTJG R.C. Clark, were shot down by a surface-to-air missile over North Vietnam. CDR Gillespie became a POW and was not released until May 1973. LTJG Clark died in captivity. In Mar 1968, Coral Sea, with VF-151 embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER-2) by North Korea. The squadron deployed again in Sep 1968 with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard Coral Sea again following a short turn-around period. The squadron made its fifth combat deployment of the war in September 1969 aboard Coral Sea and flew more than 2100 combat sorties, more than any other Navy squadron in FY1970.

1970s
The squadron deployed on its sixth combat cruise of the war in April 1971 with Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard Midway, flying 1012 combat sorties. In April 1972, the squadron deployed on its seventh and final deployment of the Vietnam War. During this deployment, the squadron spent 205 continuous days in combat flight operations, including support of Operation Linebacker I, the bombing campaign designed to disrupt supplies to the North Vietnamese. The squadron's 205 days of continuous combat flight operations was the longest period of combat flight operations in the history of the Vietnam conflict. From 1965 to 1973, the Vigilantes participated in every major operation of the Vietnam War. The Vigilantes made more combat deployments (7) and spent more time on the line (927 days) than any other carrier based unit - including the longest deployment of the Vietnam War (331 days on USS Coral Sea) and the longest line period of the Vietnam War (208 days on USS Midway).

The Vigilantes returned to San Francisco, California from Vietnam in March 1973 and transitioned to the F-4N variant of the Phantom. On 11 September 1973, USS Midway with VF-151 aboard, departed the US for the last time for many years to come. The ship arrived at its new port of United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan and the squadron at its new home of NAF Atsugi, Japan on 5 October. The ship was met by a group of Japanese demonstrators, railing against the home porting of a US “Man-of-War” in Japanese waters.

On 1 April 1975, the squadron departed Atsugi and headed for Yankee Station

for what would ultimately be called Operation Frequent Wind or the evacuation of Saigon as the country fell to the communists. The ship took aboard Marine helicopters as it passed Okinawa and offloaded them when in the vicinity of Cubi Point in the Philippines. The ship then headed for the coast of Vietnam and the squadrons flew Combat Air Patrols in support of “Buffalo Hunter” missions as the North Vietnamese moved quickly South through South Viet Nam.

In Aug-Sep 1976, the squadron conducted flight operations near the Korean Peninsula following the murder of U.S. military personnel in the Korean DMZ by North Koreans.

In Aug 1977, the squadron transitioned to the F-4J variant of the Phantom. In 1978 the squadron was named the top TACAIR squadron in CVW-5 and received the Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" award. The squadron made three Indian Ocean deployments between 1979 and 1980. During the 1979 Midway, with VF-151 embarked, deployed to the Gulf of Aden following the outbreak of fighting between North and South Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran. During the 1980 deployment following the Iranian seizure of the American Embassy in Teheran, Midway, with VF- 151 embarked, proceeded to the Gulf of Oman and remained on station until relieved in early February 1980.

1980s
In Dec 1980, the Vigies transitioned to the F-4S variant of the Phantom.

On March 24, 1986, the squadron flew off USS Midway for the last time as VF-151. This event also marked the end of an era, as it was the last flight of the F-4 Phantom II from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The squadron reported to NAS Lemoore, California for transition to the new F/A-18 Hornet. VF-151 was one of only two F-4 fighter squadrons to transition to the F/A-18 and be re-designated a strike fighter squadron. The squadron was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151) on June 1, 1986. In November of that year, the squadron returned to USS Midway and NAF Atsugi.

source: VFA-151 website
detailed deployments 1973-1986 while forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan
and  assigned to CVW-5 aboard USS Midway (CV 41)
 


source: NHHC


more detailed history + facts:

Established as Fighter Squadron TWENTY THREE(VF-23) on 6 August 1948
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE (VF-151) on 23 February 1959
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE (VFA-151) on 1 June 1986
The first squadron to be assigned the VFA-151 designation

Squadron Insignia and Nickname:
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO on 9 August 1949. Colors for the knight and shield insignia were: large white shield outlined in black; blue helmet outlined in black with red gems; fuchsia cloak; purple outer garment with a green band around the waist and over the shoulder, silver chain mail; brown boots and straps; blue small shield outlined in black, inside the shield was anouter circle of white and a center of green; red lightning bolt; gold sword outlined in black with red gems.

A new insignia was approved by CNO on 26 May 1955. Colors for the skull insignia are: a black background outlined in yellow; white skull with black teeth and markings; red and black eyes; blue electron rings; gray sword with a red flame at the tip; white scroll with black lettering. The squadron continued to use this insignia following its redesignation toVF-151 and VFA-151.

Nickname:
The Flashers, 1949-1959
Vigilantes, 1959-1986


(VF-23, 1948-59)
VF-151 - Chronology of Significant Events:


15 Sep 1950:
The squadron flew combat missions in support of the amphibious landings at Inchon, Korea.

Aug 1952:
Squadron aircraft participated in joint operations with the U.S. Air Force, striking targets in Pyongyang and the surrounding area.

Mar 1954:
The squadron was deployed to the western Pacific aboard USS Essex (CVA 9) when the carrier was ordered to operate off the coast of Vietnam during theViet Minh’s assault against the French at Dien Bien Phu.

Aug-Sep 1958:
The squadron flew sorties in theTaiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bombarded Quemoy Island.

Jan 1961:
USS Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VF-151 embarked, operated in the South China Sea after Pathet Lao forces captured strategic positions in Laos.

Mar 1965:
The squadron participated in Rolling Thunder operations, the systematic bombing of military targets in North Vietnam.

24 Oct 1967:
The squadron’s commanding officer, Commander C. R. Gillespie and his RIO Lieutenant (jg)R. C. Clark, were shot down by a surface-to-air missile while on a mission over North Vietnam. Commander Gillespie became a POW and was released on 14 March 1973, his RIO died in captivity.

Mar 1968:
USS Coral Sea, with VF-151 embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER 2) in January by North Korea.

May-Oct 1972:
The squadron participated inLinebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of suppliesand to reduce North Vietnam’s ability to continue the war effort in South Vietnam.

Apr-May 1975:
Squadron aircraft participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American personnel from Saigon, South Vietnam, as the country fell to the communists.

Aug-Sep 1976:
Embarked on USS Midway (CV 41), the squadron conducted flight operations near the Korean Peninsula following the murder of U.S. military personnel in the Korean DMZ by North Koreans.

Apr-May 1979:
USS Midway, with VF-151 embarked deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve USS Constellation (CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following the outbreak of fighting between North and South Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran.

Nov 1979-Feb 1980:
Following the Iranian seizure of the American Embassy in Teheran and the taking of American hostages on 4 November, Midway, with VF-151 embarked, proceeded to the Gulf of Oman andremained on station until relieved in early February1980.

May-Jun 1980:
USS Midway, with VF-151 embarked, operated off the coast of Korea due to the civil unrest in South Korea and the massacre of several hundred people in the town of Kwangju.

Dec 1981:
Following tensions in Korea, the squadron operated from USS Midway off the coast of Korea until the tensions subsided.

Apr-Nov 1986:
VF-151 temporarily relocated to NAS Lemoore for transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron’s new Hornets were flown to Japan between 18-21 November. VF-151 was one of only two F-4 fighter squadrons to transition to the F/A-18 and be redesignated a strike fighter squadron.



Home Port Assignments (Assignment Date):
NAAS Oceana, Virginia - 06 Aug 1948
NAS Alameda, California - Aug 1950
NAS Moffett Field, California - 11 Nov 1950
NAS Miramar, California - 10 Jul 1961
NS Yokosuka (NAF Atsugi & Misawa), Japan - 05 Oct 1973
(VF-151, along with CVW-5 and USS Midway (CVA 41), were part of a program to permanently assign a carrier and air wing to an overseas home port. Midway’s new home port was Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. The squadron would normally operate out of NAF Atsugi or Misawa when the carrier was in port NS Yokosuka. The assignment was effective 30 June 1973. However, the squadron did not arrive until 5 October 1973.

source: NHHC
 
 
 
patches + more

vfa-151 vigilantes insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron navy phantom 03
vfa-151 vigilantes insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron navy phantom 02c  vfa-151 vigilantes insignia crest patch badge fighter squadron navy phantom 02p
  
 
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