Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113)

Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113)
Unit name	Strike Fighter Squadron 113
Native name	VFA-113
Dates	10 May 1948 – present
Country	United StatesUnited States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Strike fighter squadron
Role	Carrier-based strike and air superiority
Size	Squadron
Command structure	Carrier Air Wing 11
Garrison	Naval Air Station Lemoore
Nickname	"Stingers"
Colors	Yellow and Black
Mascot	Scorpion
Aircraft attack	A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18E Super Hornet

Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron nicknamed the "Stingers" based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Established in 1948, the squadron has operated from aircraft carrier decks worldwide and transitioned through multiple jet types, participating in major conflicts and peacetime operations. VFA-113 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 and has a record of deployments with numerous United States Navy aircraft carriers and joint exercises with allied forces.

History

Established on 10 May 1948, the squadron was commissioned during the post-World War II naval aviation expansion under the auspices of Chief of Naval Operations directives. Early service involved deployments aboard carriers such as USS Midway (CV-41) and USS Hornet (CV-12) during the Korean War era and the Cold War maritime posture. Through the 1960s and 1970s the unit transitioned to jet-powered attack aircraft, participating in operations linked to the Vietnam War and forward deployments to Western Pacific and Indian Ocean theaters. In the 1980s and 1990s VFA-113 took part in carrier battle group activities during events involving Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, as well as freedom of navigation operations near contested regions. Post-9/11, the squadron supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom sorties, integrating strike, close air support, and precision-guided munitions. Into the 21st century VFA-113 upgraded airframes and tactics to align with Carrier Strike Group doctrines, participating in multinational exercises with partners such as units from Royal Australian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, and NATO members.

Aircraft and Insignia

The squadron began with piston and early jet aircraft before adopting the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in the 1960s, a light attack jet used widely by carrier squadrons. VFA-113 later transitioned to the LTV A-7 Corsair II for improved payload and range, then to the multirole F/A-18 Hornet platform as part of the Navy's shift to multirole aviation. In the 2000s the squadron upgraded to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, integrating advanced sensor suites like the AN/APG-79 AESA radar and weapon systems including AIM-120 AMRAAM and Joint Direct Attack Munition. The squadron insignia features a stylized scorpion and yellow/black color scheme, adopted to symbolize sting and agility; insignia variations are held in squadron lineage records and have been displayed on aircraft tails and nose art during different eras. Squadron markings evolved under Naval Aviation regulations and have been documented in unit history and shipboard cruise books archived at naval aviation museums and historical centers.

Deployments and Operations

VFA-113 has deployed aboard several carriers including USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on Western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean cruises. The squadron flew combat sorties during the Vietnam War era deployments supporting interdiction and close air support missions, and later executed strike missions during Operation Desert Storm against Iraqi targets. In the 21st century VFA-113 supported maritime security operations, air interdiction, and strike sorties during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating in coalition air campaigns coordinated with United States Central Command and allies. The squadron has taken part in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC, Malabar, and Foal Eagle, enhancing interoperability with navies and air forces including Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Indian Navy units. Humanitarian and non-combatant evacuation operations have occurred on deployments alongside carrier strike group contingencies in crises such as regional evacuations and disaster response coordinated with United States Pacific Command and partner nation authorities.

Home Stations and Assignments

Primary home station for VFA-113 is Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, with earlier basing at Naval Air Station San Diego and maintenance periods at Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Air Station Fallon for training detachments. The squadron is assigned administratively to Carrier Air Wing 11 and operationally to successive Carrier Strike Group commanders during deployments. Maintenance, training, and carrier qualifications have been conducted at locations including Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Naval Air Station Fallon, and Naval Station Norfolk detachments during pre-deployment workups.

Commanding Officers

VFA-113 has been led by numerous commanding officers who are graduates of United States Naval Academy, United States Naval Test Pilot School, and Naval War College, reflecting career paths through strike aviation communities. Commanding officers typically hold the rank of Commander and rotate every 18–24 months; notable COs have included aviators with prior staff billets at Bureau of Naval Personnel and operational tour experience on carriers and fleet staffs. Executive officers and department heads frequently complete follow-on assignments at Chief of Naval Operations directorates, United States Fleet Forces Command, and joint commands.

Unit Awards and Citations

The squadron's awards include campaign and unit commendations issued under Department of the Navy authorities for combat deployments and superior performance in peacetime operations. Recognitions have encompassed Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and service campaign ribbons for participation in Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Global War on Terrorism campaigns. Individual crew members and aircrew from VFA-113 have received decorations such as the Air Medal for meritorious flight operations and squadron-level safety awards issued by Naval Air Forces commands.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1948