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US Navy - Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (STRKFITRON 102)

VFA-102 'Diamondbacks'

 
vfa-102 diamondbacks insignia crest patch badge us navy squadron
vfa-102 diamondbacks strike fighter squadron us navy f/a-18f super hornet
 
STATUS:   established as VA-36 on July 1, 1955
VA-36 redesignated VF-102 on July 1, 1955
(it should be noted that on the same day, 1 July 1955, the old VF-102 was redesignated
VA-36 and the new VA-36 was redesignated VF-102 on the same date that it was established)

VF-102 redesignated VFA-102 on May 1, 2002
  
Homebase: forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan
Carrier Air Wing: CVW-5
Aircraft Carrier: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
ACTIVE UNIT
 AIRCRAFT:   Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet (2002- )
 DEPLOYMENTS:  

permanently forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan

2003 - present = assigned to CVW-5

2003 - 2008 = embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

2008 - 2015 = embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73)
2015 -  = embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
 

images



F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2016


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2016


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet carrier air wing cvw-5 uss ronald reagan cvn-76
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - June 2016

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet cvw-5 iwo to japan
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) - Iwo To, Japan - May 2016


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) - Iwo To, Japan - May 2016

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet cvw-5 uss ronald reagan cvn-76
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - October 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - September 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - August 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornets (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) with an Australian KC-30A tanker aircraft - July 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2015


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2014

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet cvw-5 uss george washington cvn-73
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2014

vfa-102 diamondbacks strike fighter squadron uss george washington cvn-73
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2014


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - May 2014

vfa-102 diamondbacks forward deployed naf atsugi japan
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - December 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2013

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet cvw-5 uss george washington cvn-73 2013
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2013

f/a-18f super hornet vfa-102 diamondbacks
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) takes fuel from a F/A-18E of VFA-27 - August 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) refuels a EF-18G Growler from VAQ-141 - August 2013


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - September 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2012


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2011


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2011


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2010

f/a-18f super hornet jet engine
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2010


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2010


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2009


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2009


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 2009


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - June 2009


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - August 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornets (VFA-102 / CVW-5) leaving USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) for the last time - August 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) leaving USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) for the last time - August 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) leaving USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) for the last time - August 2008

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet cvw-5 uss kitty hawk cv-63
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - June 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2008


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) - Iwo To, Japan - October 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) - Iwo To, Japan - October 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornets (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2007

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet uss kitty hawk cv-63
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2007

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet aim-9 sidewinder missile sam
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) launches an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile - 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007

f/a-18f super hornet vfa-102 diamondbacks uss kitty hawk cv-63
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2007


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - September 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - May 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2006


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - January 2006

vfa-102 diamondbacks naf atsugi japan cvw-5
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - December 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - December 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet special color showbird 50 anniversary
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - November 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - October 2005

vfa-102 diamondbacks cvw-5 uss kitty hawk cv-63
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 2005


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - August 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - July 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - April 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004


excerpt


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - February 2004


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - November 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - November 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102 / CVW-5) at NAF Atsugi, Japan - November 2003

vfa-102 diamondbacks f/a-18f super hornet uss john c. stennis cvn-74
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - September 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003

f/a-18f super hornet electronic
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - August 2003


F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-102) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - February 2003
 
 
History:

Then designated Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102), the DIAMONDBACKS of Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VFA-102) were established on July 1, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida. The first aircraft to carry the distinctive DIAMONDBACK markings was the McDonnell F2H Banshee, a twin-engine fighter-bomber with four 20 mm internal cannons.

The DIAMONDBACKS’ inaugural deployment took place onboard the USS RANDOLPH (CV 15) in July 1956. After this deployment, the squadron transitioned to the Douglas F-4D-1 Skyray. This aircraft carried the new AIM-9B Sidewinder missile in addition to internal cannons. The squadron's outstanding performance in the Skyray resulted in their entry into the 1958 “All Navy Weapons Meet.”

After a final deployment with the Skyray onboard the USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) in 1960, the DIAMONDBACKS moved to NAS Oceana, Virginia and transitioned to the F-4B Phantom. The Mach 2 capable, two seat aircraft consisted of a pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and carried only air-to-air missiles. This marked the beginning of a 20 year association with the Phantom. Highlights of this period include participation in Operation SEA ORBIT, the first Nuclear Task Force circumnavigation onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), winner of the Battle Efficiency (“E”) Award in 1964 and 1966, combat operations off the coast of Vietnam in 1968, a Meritorious Unit Citation in 1970 for the Jordanian Crisis Deployment and cross deck operations onboard the H.M.S. ROYAL in 1975 and 1978.

The DIAMONDBACKS bade farewell to the Phantom in June of 1981 and transitioned to the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. The Tomcat’s design provided the pilot and RIO with a formidable air-to-air radar and weapons system. The long range AWG-9 radar and its multiple track, multiple launch capable AIM-54 Phoenix missile system, AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and the six-barreled 20 mm cannon comprised the Tomcat’s weapons suite. With the addition of the Low Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod and the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) to the Tomcat, the DIAMONDBACKS added the strike and tactical aerial photo reconnaissance missions to their traditional fighter role.

In March of 1986, the DIAMONDBACKS departed Oceana onboard the USS AMERICA (CV 66) and headed directly for the Gulf of Sidra. The DIAMONDBACKS will long remember the operations below the so called "Line of Death," especially our part in the history making raid on the 15th of April, 1986.

In the fall of 1990, VF-102 completed an accelerated work-up phase and deployed in late December to the Red Sea as part of Operation DESERT SHIELD. Two days after entering the Red Sea, the DIAMONDBACKS began flying strikes into Baghdad and other strategic targets in Iraq. VF-102 logged more than 1,400 combat hours during the six-week campaign, flying a variety of missions from both the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

In 1992, VF-102 and the F-14 Tomcat entered the critical air-to-ground mission area thus solidifying the DIAMONDBACKS’ role as a strike fighter squadron and leading the way into the 21st century. The DIAMONDBACKS transitioned to the F-14B Tomcat in 1994 and were the winner of another Battle “E” in 1995.

In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, the DIAMONDBACKS departed NAS Oceana onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). VF-102 arrived on station in the Arabian Sea in mid-October and flew combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During that deployment, VF-102 flew 3,346 combat hours and dropped 645 bombs against enemy Taliban forces. The DIAMONDBACKS were awarded a Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle “E” Award for 2001.

Following their return from deployment and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, VF-102 was assigned to Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and transferred to NAS Lemoore, California to transition to the Navy's newest strike fighter, the FA-18F Super Hornet. The DIAMONDBACKS were re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron 102 (VFA-102) in March 2002.

After completion of the transition to the Super Hornet, VFA-102 moved across the Pacific to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to join Carrier Air Wing FIVE, the Navy’s only forward deployed air wing. Since joining the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, the DIAMONDBACKS have made numerous deployments onboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. In 2007, the DIAMONDBACKS were again awarded the Battle “E” Award. In August of 2008, the DIAMONDBACKS completed their final deployment onboard the venerable USS KITTY HAWK and cross-decked to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in San Diego, California.

source: VFA-102 website
 
 
 

patches & more

 
 
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