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US Navy - Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (STRKFITRON 137)

VFA-137 'Kestrels'

 
vfa-137 kestrels insignia crest patch badge strike fighter squadron us navy
vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw uss carl vinson nas lemoore
 
STATUS:   VFA-137 established on July 2, 1985
 
Homebase:
NAS Lemoore, California
Carrier Air Wing: CVW-2
Aircraft Carrier:
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
ACTIVE UNIT
 AIRCRAFT:   McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet (1985-90)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet (1990-2003)
Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (2003- )
 DEPLOYMENTS:   September 1987 - March 1988 with CVW-13 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)
May 1989 - September 1989 with CVW-13 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)
August 1990 with CVW-13 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
May 1991 - December 1991 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)
May 1993 - July 1993 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
May 1994 - June 1994 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
November 1994 - May 1995 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
April 1997 - October 1997 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
June 1999 - December 1999 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
March 2001 - September 2001 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
November 2002 - June 2003 with CVW-2 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
October 2004 - March 2005 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
June 2005 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
October 2005 - November 2005 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
February 2006 - August 2006 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
March 2008 - October 2008 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
September 2010 - March 2011 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
December 2011 - August 2012 with CVW-2 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
June 2014 - August 2014 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
September 2015 - December 2015 with CVW-2 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
January 2017 - ?? with CVW-2 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
 

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vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 02 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 03 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 06 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 08 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 04 carrier air wing cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 05 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 07 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - April 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet 2017 09 cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 10
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 12
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 13
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 11 cockpit
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 14
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - February 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 15
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss carl vinson cvn-70 2017 16
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - January 2017

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss george washington cvn-73 2015 17
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2015

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss george washington cvn-73 2015 18
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2015

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss george washington cvn-73 2015 19
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 2015

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18f super hornet cvw-2 uss george washington cvn-73 2015 20
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) - October 2015

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 2013 21
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2013

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 2013 22
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - November 2013

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss ronald reagan cvn-76 2013 23
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2013

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18f super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 24
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 25
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 26
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 27
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - May 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 84
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 28
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 29
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 30
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 31
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 32
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 33
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 34
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet carrier air wing cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 35
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 36
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 37
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 38
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18f super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2012 39
F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2012

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2011 40
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2011

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2011 41
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - October 2011

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2011 42
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2011

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2011 43
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2011

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2011 44
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) over Alaska - June 2011

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2010 45
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2010

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2010 46
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2010

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2010 47
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2010

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2010 48
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2010

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2009 49
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2009

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 50 refueling ea-6b prowler vaq-131
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) refueling an EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-131 - September 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 51
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 52
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 55
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 53
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 54
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 56
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 57
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2008 58
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - April 2008

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2007 59
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2007

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 refueling ea-6b prowler vaq-131 2006 60
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) refueling an EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-131 - April 2006

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2005 61
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - June 2005

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 refueling ea-6b prowler vaq-131 2005 62
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) refueling an EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-131 - February 2005

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2005 63
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - February 2005

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2005 64
F/A-18E Super Hornets (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - January 2005

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2004 65 f414-ge-400 engine
maintenance on a F414-GE-400 engine of a F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - November 2004

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2004 66
F/A-18E Super Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) refueling an F/A-18C Hornet of VFA-82 - October 2004

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18e super hornet cvw-2 uss abraham lincoln cvn-72 2004 85
F/A-18E Super Hornets (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2004


vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2003 68
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - May 2003

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2003 67
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - April 2003

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet carrier air wing cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2003 69
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - March 2003

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2003 70
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - February 2003

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2002 71
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - December 2002

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 uss constellation cv-64 2001 79
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) - April 2001

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 1999 80
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) - 1999

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 1996 74
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) - 1996

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 1996 78
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) - 1996

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-2 1996 77
F/A-18C Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-2) - 1996

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet cvw-6 paris airshow 1991 75
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Forrestal (CV 59) at the Paris Airshow - June 1991

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet cvw-6 1991 82
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-6) - March 1991

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet cvw-6 1991 81
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-6) - March 1991

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet cvw-13 uss coral sea cv-43 1987 76
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - July 1987

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet cvw-13 nas fallon nevada 1987 73
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-13) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - April 1987

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron f/a-18a hornet carrier air wing cvw-13 nas fallon nevada 1987 72
F/A-18A Hornet (VFA-137 / CVW-13) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - March 1987
 
 
Strike Fighter Squadron 137, nicknamed the “Kestrels” after the native North American Falcon, was established on 2 July 1985. The Kestrels received their first Lot VIII FA-18A Hornet on 25 November 1985 and in October 1986 the squadron was awarded the Silver Anchor for new construction squadrons. In the course of their 26-year history, the Kestrels have cultivated a tradition of professionalism and excellence, with a safety record that includes over 90,000 mishap-free flight hours.

In 1987-1988 the squadron made its first deployment to the Mediterranean Sea embarked on the “Ageless Warrior,” USS CORAL SEA (CV 43), as part of Carrier Air Wing THIRTEEN. That year the squadron was recognized with the Commander Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Battle “E” award. In August 1989, the Kestrels were back onboard CORAL SEA patrolling the Eastern Mediterranean in response to Colonel Higgins’ murder in Lebanon, winning the Golden Tailhook award on their second deployment.

In October 1990, the squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing SIX onboard USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), completed an accelerated work up cycle and their third deployment. On cruise, the Kestrels flew sorties over Iraq in support of Operation PROVIDE COMFORT and won two more Tailhook Awards.

In September 1992, the squadron completed a homeport change to Lemoore, CA and transitioned to the night attack capable Lot XV FA-18C. In May 1993, the squadron joined Carrier Air Wing TWO and embarked onboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) for their first Western Pacific deployment in November 1994. On this deployment, and the 1997 deployment, the Kestrels patrolled the skies over Iraq, enforcing the United Nations no-fly zone in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. In 1999 and again in 2001, the Kestrels employed precision-guided ordnance against Iraq as part of a Coalition Forces response to repeated violations of the no-fly zone.

In November 2002, the Kestrels deployed to the Arabian Gulf onboard CONSTELLATION for her final deployment. The Kestrels participated in extensive operations in the skies over Iraq, initially in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, and then in combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). During the course of the conflict, the Kestrels flew over 500 combat sorties and dropped more than 300,000 pounds of precision-guided ordnance.

The Kestrels returned home in June 2003, and began the transition to the new Lot XXV FA-18E Super Hornet. After completing the Safe for Flight certification, the Kestrels became the third FA-18E squadron in the U.S. Navy.

In April 2004, Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet awarded the Battle “E” for calendar year 2003. Subsequently, Commander, Naval Air Force awarded the 2003 Captain Michael J. Estocin Award for exceptional operational performance and flight safety.

In October 2004, the squadron transferred with the air wing to the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) for a WESTPAC cruise on the historic first ever surge deployment ordered under the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan. Following the tragic tsunami is Southeast Asia; the Kestrels joined Operation UNIFIED ASSITANCE which delivered over two million pounds of food, medical supplies and potable water to Indonesia.

Following detachment to NAS Fallon, NV for air wing training a mere three weeks after returning from deployment, the squadron was recognized for its unsurpassed maintenance practices by Commander, Strike Fighter Wing PACIFIC with the coveted LTjg Bruce Carrier Award for Maintenance Excellence. The squadron celebrated its twentieth anniversary of Class “A” mishap-free flight hours in October 2005.

Rejoining Carrier Air Wing TWO on the LINCOLN, the Kestrels commenced a WESTPAC deployment in support of Commander, US Pacific Command’s Maritime Influence Strategy in March 2006. The cruise was marked by participation in the FOAL EAGLE, VALIANT SHIELD and RIMPAC exercises. VALIANT SHIELD involved three carrier battle groups and was the largest assemblage of naval power in the Pacific since the conclusion of the Vietnam War.

The Kestrels completed a fighter tactics training detachment to NAS Key West, FL in October 2006 to continue honing their air-to-air skills. The time for another deployment fast approached and the Kestrels spent Air Wing Fallon and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) acquiring the air-to-ground expertise they would need to support ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In March 2008, the Kestrels again set out on deployment with Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2), onboard CVN-72, this time to the Fifth Fleet AOR. On 30 April 2008, CVN-72 arrived in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG) and began supporting OIF. The Kestrels’ contribution was monumental, as their participation in the pacification of Al-Amarah (one of the last Shi’ite insurgent strongholds) coincided with an overall reduction in violence throughout Iraq. The Air Wing’s efforts in OIF were so successful that CVN-72 was ordered to the North Arabian Sea (NAS) to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) over the skies of Afghanistan.

On 8 October 2008, the Kestrels returned from a successful combat deployment only to continue their fevered battle rhythm with a November detachment to Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada where air-to-air training was conducted with F-15s. The Kestrels again conducted fighter tactics training with F-15s in March 2009, this time with the Hawaiian Air National Guard (HANG) out of Hickam AFB. The squadron wrapped up its high detachment tempo by participating in the joint exercise JADED THUNDER at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida in May 2009.

2010 was a year of arduous workups and preparation for another combat deployment. In the fall of 2010, the Kestrels set sail for the 5th Fleet AOR, this time to meet operational requirements in support of Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. The Kestrels executed flawlessly and proudly returned home winners of the CVW-2 “Broadsword” Award, signifying recognition of the best Chief’s Mess in the CAG. Upon return from Deployment in March, 2011 the Kestrels were rapidly back in action, participating in the Joint Exercise NORTHERN EDGE by detaching to Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. The successful detachment added to VFA-137’s legacy of consistent, professional execution of tactics and maintenance.

Soon after returning from NORTHERN EDGE the Kestrels quickly began workups for their next deployment, their second in little over a year. By September 2011, the Kestrels had completed AIR WING Fallon and COMTUEX and deployed again to the 5th Fleet AOR aboard CVN-72 operating with Carrier Strike Group NINE (CSG-9). Between February to July 2012 the squadron amassed 1,121 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In July 2012 the Kestrels left the 5th Fleet AOR and completed an around the world cruise, with CVN-72 proceeding to Naval Station Norfolk for a homeport of change. The Kestrels returned to NAS Lemoore in August 2012, after an eight month deployment that had been extended twice. After the squadron’s return from a demanding high operations tempo the Kestrel’s are preparing to deploy again this time aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) with the same drive and excellence that has been the tradition of the squadron since its inception.

source: VFA-137 website
 
 
 

patches & more


vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch badge 03
vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch badge 05 navy super hornet   vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch badge 06
new insignia



vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch badge 02 f/a-18 hornet   vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch 04

vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch 04a   vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch 05a
vfa-137 kestrels strike fighter squadron insignia crest patch 06
former insignia
 
 
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