VFA-113

VFA-113
Unit name	VFA-113
Caption	F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the squadron
Dates	Established 1960; active
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Strike Fighter Squadron
Role	Carrier-based strike and air superiority
Garrison	Naval Air Station Lemoore
Nickname	Stingers
Colors	Yellow and Black
Aircraft attack	F/A-18E Super Hornet

VFA-113 is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron known by the nickname "Stingers." Commissioned in 1960, the squadron has operated from multiple aircraft carriers and flown a succession of aircraft types while participating in major operations and exercises alongside units from the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and allied forces such as the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. VFA-113 has been embarked aboard carrier air wings assigned to numbered fleets including the United States Third Fleet and United States Fifth Fleet.

History

The squadron was established during the Cold War era amid force expansions prompted by tensions involving the Soviet Union, the Berlin Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Early deployments involved carrier operations in the Gulf of Tonkin region and joint operations with units from the Seventh Fleet and Carrier Air Wing 11. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the unit transitioned aircraft and participated in maritime exercises such as RIMPAC and bilateral training with the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force. During the post-Cold War period the squadron contributed to operations related to the Gulf War, the Balkans conflict, and later to the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War as part of carrier strike group deployments.

Mission and Aircraft

VFA-113's mission centers on carrier-based strike, interdiction, close air support, and air superiority in support of fleet, joint, and combined operations under commanders such as those of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Central Command. Aircraft operated historically include models from the Grumman F-11 Tiger lineage and more prominently the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, and currently the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet. The squadron integrates weapons and sensors such as targeting pods compatible with munitions employed in operations like those executed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, interoperating with platforms like the E-2 Hawkeye, P-8 Poseidon, and EA-18G Growler.

Deployments and Operations

VFA-113 deployments have placed the squadron aboard carriers including USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) during sorties supporting operations in the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific. The unit has supported multinational task forces enforcing sanctions and no-fly zones associated with resolutions from the United Nations Security Council and participated in maritime security operations alongside the Royal Navy and French Navy. Humanitarian and contingency operations saw the squadron operate in proximity to events like the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and contribute to carrier strike group missions under commanders such as those of Carrier Strike Group 9 and Carrier Strike Group 3.

Insignia and Traditions

The squadron's insignia features a stylized stinger motif and heraldry reflecting its nickname, with colors historically including yellow and black used on flight gear, squadron patches, and aircraft markings. Squadron traditions align with naval aviation practices observed across units like VF-1 and VX-9, encompassing adoption of a command ball, tail codes associated with assigned Carrier Air Wings, and participation in ceremonies such as change of command events recognized by the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy protocols. Commemorative squadron artifacts and flight suits are preserved and displayed at naval aviation museums including exhibits curated by the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Home Ports and Assignments

Primary home bases for the squadron have included Naval Air Station Lemoore, Naval Air Station North Island, and interim detachments at Naval Station Pearl Harbor during Pacific operations. The unit has been assigned to carrier air wings such as Carrier Air Wing 11 and has rotated through numbered fleets including the United States Pacific Fleet and United States Fleet Forces Command during periodical carrier deployment cycles. Logistics, maintenance, and training pipelines have interfaced with facilities operated by entities like the Naval Air Systems Command and training units including Naval Air Training Command.

Notable Personnel and Commanding Officers

Leadership of the squadron has included commanding officers who later advanced to flag assignments within organizations such as the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and staff billets at U.S. European Command or U.S. Central Command. Alumni have moved into aviation community leadership roles within the United States Navy and civilian aerospace sectors linked to corporations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The squadron's cadre has included decorated aviators recognized by awards like the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Commendation Medal for actions during major operations and carrier deployments.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1960