Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31)

Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31)
Unit name	Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31)
Caption	VFA-31 emblem
Dates	1948–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Role	Fighter/Attack
Garrison	Naval Air Station Oceana
Nickname	Tomcatters
Motto	Fortes Fortuna Juvat
Colors	Black, Gold

Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31) is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, flying the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet in carrier air wing deployments. The squadron traces its lineage through a series of redesignations and is noted for its long service aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Nimitz, USS Enterprise, and USS Theodore Roosevelt. VFA-31 has participated in major operations and conflicts from the Cold War to the Global War on Terror, earning citations and campaign credits.

History

VFA-31 was established in the late 1940s during the post-World War II naval aviation expansion and has been associated with Carrier Air Wing elements aboard United States Navy aircraft carriers including USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Through the Korean War aftermath and the Vietnam War, the squadron transitioned aircraft types while participating in deployments from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Tonkin and operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During the late 20th century, VFA-31 served in Cold War deterrence patrols with carriers operating alongside units such as Carrier Strike Group 8, coordinating with commands like United States Fleet Forces Command and NATO task groups. In the 1990s and 2000s the squadron supported Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom while forward-deploying aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Most recently, VFA-31 conducted expeditionary operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and multinational exercises with partners such as Royal Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Insignia and Nickname

The squadron's emblem features a cartoonish black cat often depicted with a top hat and monocle, reflecting the "Tomcatters" nickname and echoing imagery common to naval aviation squadrons recorded in Naval Aviation History. The black cat motif connects culturally with aviator lore surrounding Felix the Cat and nose art traditions seen in squadrons like VMF-214 and VF-1. VFA-31's insignia has undergone approval processes with authorities such as the Chief of Naval Operations and has been displayed on squadron aircraft alongside callsigns and tail codes used by Carrier Air Wing Nine and other carrier wings. The nickname "Tomcatters" resonates with naval heraldry held in collections at institutions like the National Naval Aviation Museum and appears in squadron citations awarded by commanders in United States Fleet Forces Command.

Aircraft and Equipment

Originally equipped with piston-engine fighters in the postwar period, the squadron progressed through types including early jet fighters like the Grumman F9F Panther and the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II before transitioning to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the late 20th century. In the 21st century VFA-31 transitioned to the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet to meet multi-role strike and air superiority requirements outlined by Naval Aviation Training Command and supported by logistics from Fleet Readiness Center Atlantic. The squadron employs avionics suites integrating systems such as the AN/APG-79 radar, weaponry including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and precision munitions coordinated through Carrier Air Traffic Control Center procedures. Maintenance and armament functions are managed in concert with units like Carrier Air Wing Staff and shore-based logistics at Naval Air Station Oceana.

Deployments and Operations

VFA-31 has deployed on multiple carrier cruises across Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf theaters while participating in named operations such as Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron supported strike packages, combat air patrols, and close air support missions in coordination with joint commands including U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and coalition partners during multinational campaigns like Operation Allied Force. VFA-31 has taken part in peacetime initiatives such as BALTOPS and RIMPAC exercises, integrating with forces from Royal Canadian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and French Navy squadrons. Carrierboarded sorties and expeditionary operations have earned the squadron unit awards presented by entities such as Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations.

Command and Organization

VFA-31 is organized under a commanding officer with executive and command master chief leadership consistent with United States Navy rank structure and reports operationally to the assigned Carrier Air Wing commander and administratively to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic. The squadron's chain of command interfaces with carrier strike group staff including commanders of platforms like USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and works with training establishments such as Naval Aviation Schools Command for pilot and crew readiness. Squadron lineage and command histories are maintained in archives alongside records from institutions like Naval History and Heritage Command.

Home Ports and Air Stations

VFA-31 is home based at Naval Air Station Oceana (Virginia), with prior shore assignments at facilities such as Naval Air Station Cecil Field and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. While embarked, the squadron has operated from carrier decks of ships moored at Naval Stations including Norfolk Naval Station and forward logistics hubs like Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. Squadron support elements coordinate with shore infrastructure at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic and training ranges such as Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons