VFA-213

VFA-213
Unit name	Strike Fighter Squadron 213
Dates	1 July 1955 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Strike fighter squadron
Garrison	Naval Air Station Oceana
Nickname	Black Lions

VFA-213 VFA-213 is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron established in 1955 and based at Naval Air Station Oceana. The squadron has flown a succession of carrier-based aircraft and participated in major Cold War crises, Gulf War operations, and 21st-century War on Terror deployments. It is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight aboard aircraft carriers of the United States Pacific Fleet and United States Fleet Forces Command at various times.

Introduction

Originally established as a fighter squadron in 1955 during the post‑Korean War expansion of the United States Navy, the unit transitioned through multiple airframes and mission sets reflecting developments in Naval aviation, jet fighter technology, and carrier strike group doctrine. It has operated from USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS George Washington (CVN-73), among other carriers, while taking part in operations linked to international crises such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961, the Tet Offensive, and the Libya bombing of the 1980s.

History

The squadron was established in 1955 amid Cold War force expansions driven by tensions with the Soviet Union and the strategic requirements of the Department of the Navy. Early years saw deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Caribbean Sea in support of Sixth Fleet and Second Fleet operations. During the Vietnam era the unit flew combat sorties in support of Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker II. In the 1980s the squadron participated in NATO exercises such as Operation Ocean Safari and contingencies tied to the Iran–Iraq War and Libya–United States relations. Post‑Cold War, the squadron supported Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the 1990s, later engaging in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the 2000s. Throughout its history the unit adapted to carrier air wing reorganizations driven by Naval Air Systems Command policies and Chief of Naval Operations directives.

Aircraft and Equipment

The squadron transitioned through multiple jet types reflecting advances by manufacturers such as Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing. Early jets included the F9F Panther and the F9F Cougar before moving to supersonic designs like the F-8 Crusader. It later flew the F-4 Phantom II, followed by the multirole F/A-18 Hornet family, and ultimately the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Airborne systems integrated avionics suites from contractors such as Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, including radar, targeting pods, and electronic warfare countermeasures. Carrier qualifications required catapult launches and arresting gear operations coordinated with Naval Air Station Patuxent River testing and Carrier Air Wing maintenance protocols guided by Commander, Naval Air Forces.

Deployments and Operations

The squadron deployed repeatedly with Carrier Air Wing Eight and other air wings on forward‑deployed carriers. Notable deployments included Mediterranean cruises supporting Suez Crisis aftermath operations, intensive carrier combat operations over North Vietnam, and Persian Gulf sorties during Operation Desert Storm. In the 21st century the squadron flew combat support missions over Afghanistan and Iraq and participated in multinational exercises with partners from NATO, Royal Navy, French Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It provided close air support, interdiction, maritime strike, and fleet air defense while integrating with strike group assets such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, EA-18G Growler electronic attack, and E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning platforms.

Insignia and Traditions

The squadron is known by the nickname Black Lions and uses heraldry reflecting naval aviation iconography and carrier lineage. Its insignia and squadron patch evolved under the oversight of Chief of Naval Personnel regulations and tradition committees within Naval Aviation culture. Traditions include carrier landing ceremonies, crossing-the-line rites tied to historical Crossing the Line ceremonies, and association with carrier air wing lineage celebrated at Navy League and squadron reunions attended by veterans from Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War eras.

Command Structure and Personnel

Operational control of the squadron rests with the carrier air wing commander during deployments and with Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic or Pacific authorities ashore. Personnel include naval aviators trained at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Air Station Kingsville, and Naval Air Station Meridian, enlisted maintenance crews certified through Naval Aviation Maintenance Program courses, and aviation support staff coordinated by Personnel Command. Leadership rotations follow promotion pipelines managed by Bureau of Naval Personnel and O-4 through O-6 command screening boards. The squadron’s complement mirrors carrier air wing organization and integrates reserve components coordinated with United States Naval Reserve policies.

Notable Incidents and Awards

Over decades the squadron recorded operational milestones, mishaps investigated by boards convened under Judge Advocate General's Corps (United States Navy), and individual citations including awards from Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and campaign medals authorized by the Department of Defense. Its deployments produced recognized achievements during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, and members received personal decorations such as the Air Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. Incidents at sea prompted investigations involving Naval Safety Center procedures and subsequent safety reforms implemented across carrier aviation.

Category:United States Navy aircraft squadrons